Teal MP Zali Steggall has been caught breaking her own climate change rules after lecturing adults on how they can make sacrifices to reduce their environmental impact.

Ms Steggall, the co-leader of Community Strong Australia, released Warringah’s Roadmap to Net Zero ahead of the 2025 federal election, setting out a series of rules for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact.

But Ms Steggall has now conceded she is not perfect after News24.com.au uncovered several apparent breaches of the very rules she told others to follow.

‘Go paperless’

One of Ms Steggall’s recommendations was to “go paperless”, encouraging individuals and businesses to reduce their use of paper.

Yet parliamentary expense disclosures show Ms Steggall’s office has spent $199,000 on printing and communications since April 2025.

Ms Steggall defended the expenditure, saying electorate offices receive a budget for printing and communications.

“I need to balance reducing paper use with meeting the needs of my community,” Ms Steggall said.

“Printed materials provide important information to constituents, including how to access seniors’ services and electrify their homes.

“Some constituents prefer printed information, particularly older Australians who can be disadvantaged by services moving entirely online.”

Disposable plates and cans

Another recommendation in Ms Steggall’s roadmap tells people to “avoid disposable plates, cutlery and straws when catering and in operations”.

But earlier this month, Ms Steggall posted a photograph on Facebook showing an afternoon tea held in her electorate office where attendees were eating off paper plates.

High-end clothing

Ms Steggall has also urged Australians to think twice before buying new clothes.

“Before you buy something new, including clothes, ask yourself ‘Do I really need it?’” her Net Zero Roadmap states.

Yet earlier this year, Ms Steggall disclosed that she had received a styling and a clothing discount from high-end retailer Saba.

‘I don’t claim to be perfect’

In response to questions from News24.com.au, Ms Steggall said she didn’t claim to be perfect and there was always more to do to combat climate change.

“The Roadmap to Net Zero is about practical ways we can all reduce our environmental impact. I don’t claim to be perfect, and there is always more we can do,” she said.

“In my own life, I drive an electric vehicle, have solar panels and a battery installed at home, buy second-hand clothes where I can, and have my retirement savings invested with Ethical Super.

“My office buys Green Fleet carbon offsets when our budget allows and uses recycled paper products where possible. I am continually looking for ways to reduce waste and energy use at work and at home.

“The important point is that setting a goal of reducing emissions does not mean that every decision can be perfectly consistent with that goal. It means continuing to identify where we can do better and taking practical steps to reduce our environmental impact.”

Previous breaches

The latest examples follow scrutiny last year over two other recommendations in Ms Steggall’s climate plan.

In April 2025, it was revealed she had breached a recommendation to limit flights after taking two overseas trips.

She was also found to bank with Westpac – a lender to gas giant Santos – despite recommending that people move away from institutions that invest in fossil fuels.

Other recommendations from Ms Steggall’s Net Zero Roadmap include washing laundry in cold water, using an outside washing line rather than a tumble dryer, setting thermostats to a maximum of 20C in winter and a minimum of 25C in summer, trying “Meat Free Mondays”, limiting showers to four minutes and filling reusable water bottles rather than running the tap to get cold water.