Independent federal MP Zali Steggall has hung a large painted portrait of herself, titled "Zali as Flora," in her parliamentary office in Canberra, drawing both attention for its artistic credentials and criticism on social media.
The work, painted by Australian artist Jane Guthleben, was a finalist in the Portia Geach Memorial Award, which recognises portraiture by women artists. Guthleben said the painting depicts Steggall adorned with native flowers and endangered birds to reflect the MP's environmental advocacy, and described Flora — the Roman goddess of flowers and spring — as a historical symbol for nature.
Guthleben said: "Zali is adorned by an arrangement of Australia's most endangered floral and bird species, whose survival is being threatened by climate change and habitat loss." The artist noted Flora has been depicted across art history in paintings, sculpture and music.
The portrait's public visibility prompted a range of reactions online. Some social media users described the piece as "narcissistic" and referred to it as a "shrine to her own self-importance." Others made lighter comments about the image's tone and scale. The portrait's unveiling comes amid a separate controversy involving Steggall's activity on social media.
Last week Steggall liked an Instagram post by left-wing influencer Hannah Ferguson that addressed the death of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and included the line, "Is violence sometimes necessary? Yes." Steggall later removed the like and issued a clarification, saying: "Let me be clear, I do not, and have not, condoned the horrific political violence that has occurred in the US and resulted in the death of Charlie Kirk." She said her initial engagement was intended to draw attention to broader online polarisation.
Steggall represents an independent, often climate-focused cohort of MPs sometimes referred to in Australian media as "teal" independents. Supporters said the portrait speaks to her environmental concerns; the artist's statement linked the imagery directly to threatened Australian species and climate pressures. Critics countered that the display in a parliamentary office risked appearing self-aggrandising.
The Portia Geach Memorial Award is one of Australia's leading prizes for portraiture by women artists, and inclusion among its finalists is frequently noted within arts coverage. The painting's selection for the award underlines its reception in the art community even as public commentary has focused on its subject and placement in a government workplace.
Daily Mail, which first reported on the portrait's presence in Steggall's office, contacted her for further comment. The MP's office has not released additional public statements about the painting beyond the clarification regarding her social media activity.
The portrait and the surrounding debate come at a time when Australian political figures continue to navigate scrutiny over personal branding, public office decorum and the intersections of politics and social media.