Emma Shearman from Manly said Steggall’s error was disappointing but she would still vote for her.

“I think she has done an incredible job to date,” Ms Shearman said.

Patricia Tucker from Mosman will continue to vote for Steggall, saying she believes her political opponents were spinning the story to win back favour in the electorate.

“It’s ridiculous, they’re desperate,” she said.

Tony Slater, who voted for Steggall, said he believed she had operated “within the guidelines at the time”.

“She’s done as much as an independent can do,” he said.

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However, some residents were more critical of Steggall, suggesting that as an elected member she should have been aware of her donations.

Peter Gooding of Mosman was surprised at the error given Steggall’s advocacy for greater integrity in parliament and says that it has changed his perception of her.

“It was hypocritical of her to take donations from the coal family when she’s been going on about environmentalism. It’s clumsy at best,” he said.

“It’s made me think perhaps all politicians are tarred with the same brush.”

Greens voter Joanne Hawkins of Fairlight said: “It might have sullied the image a little but not enough to make me decide not to vote [for her].

Seventy-three-year-old Liberal voter Marie (who declined to provide her surname) was the most critical of Steggall, describing her as “hypocritical” for accepting donations from coal investors given her stance on climate change.

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