Steele-Jjohn absent from Senate during probe

Jordon Steele-John will not attend Senate sittings next week, a decision that removes him from parliament while allegations of misconduct are reviewed. The Greens senator confirmed the absence on Saturday, acknowledging that his earlier choice to post a confidential internal letter online created additional pressure.

On Saturday afternoon, Steele-John removed a social media post containing the three-page letter. The document, sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier this month, outlined multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. Steele-John said he took the post down because he had heard the full text was circulating elsewhere. "I'm now not sure that was the right call and I've taken it down. I am really sorry for any additional stress it caused," he said.

The letter, dated 13 October, described a specific allegation of sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event in 2024. It also cited a claim of serious sexual misconduct in 2025. Steele-John later stated that the 2025 claim was raised by a former partner and investigated by Western Australian police, which closed the case in May with no charges laid. The letter also referenced a nickname, "feels on wheels," which authors argued signaled a reputation for inappropriate conduct.

Steele-John denied all claims in a statement posted late Friday night, which he has since deleted. He noted that he had considered joining Senate estimates virtually but was told that option would be unacceptable. He argued that a growing chorus within the party urged him to step back, establishing a precedent for keeping parliamentarians out during such reviews. "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately," he said.

The dispute has intensified following a public disagreement with Shoebridge over the senator's leave status. Shoebridge stated that Steele-John requested leave last week, a move accepted after seven party members wrote to him urging an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave. The complaints are now under an independent investigation commissioned by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.

In a lengthy statement on Sunday, Steele-John rejected the allegations and accused an "unofficial faction" within the Western Australian branch of leaking the letter to media outlets. He described the leak as a tactic to remove him from the Senate and characterized the situation as "nasty political games." He maintained that any claims regarding his behavior should be investigated fairly and thoroughly.