Steele-John Misses Senate Week While Independent Probe Advances

Jordon Steele-John will not attend the next session of the Australian Senate while an independent review of misconduct allegations against him continues. The Western Australian Greens senator confirmed the decision on Saturday, following a public apology for releasing a confidential three-page letter that detailed claims against his conduct between 2017 and 2025.

The letter, dated 13 October, was originally sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier in the month. It outlined multiple allegations of serious misconduct regarding Steele-John's behavior around women. The document noted a specific claim of sexual harassment at a 2024 campaign event, which the alleged victim had not reported due to fear of backlash. It also referenced a 2025 incident described as serious sexual misconduct, which Steele-John stated was raised by a former partner. Western Australian police closed that investigation in May without laying charges.

Steele-John publicly posted the full letter on social media on Saturday afternoon, stating he heard it was circulating online and did not want to appear to be hiding from it. He later removed the post, acknowledging in a statement that he was unsure if publishing it was the right choice. "I'm now not sure that was the right call and I've taken it down," he said, adding that he was sorry for any additional stress it caused.

The senator had previously considered attending Senate estimates virtually but was told the option was unacceptable. He cited a growing chorus of voices urging him to stay away from parliament, noting that a precedent had been established for keeping parliamentarians out during such reviews. "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately," he stated.

The absence follows a dispute with Shoebridge over whether Steele-John was officially on leave during the investigation. Shoebridge said he accepted a leave request last week after seven party members wrote to him urging an inquiry. Steele-John denied agreeing to take leave, arguing that the letter was leaked by an unofficial faction within the WA branch to force his removal from the Senate.

The complaints are now under independent investigation by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. The letter's authors emphasized that an allegation does not equate to fact or guilt, and they argued that thorough investigation was in the party's interests. They also cited a disparaging nickname for the senator, "feels on wheels," suggesting a reputation for inappropriate behavior. Steele-John has denied all claims and called for a fair and thorough review.

The senator's attendance for the remainder of the year remains in doubt. The independent investigation commissioned by the WA Greens is currently ongoing, with the parliamentary standards commission also reviewing the matter.