Senator skips sittings over probe

Senator Jordon Steele-John will not sit in parliament next week, a decision that clears his schedule for the remainder of the month. The Western Australian Greens member confirmed the absence on Saturday as he apologized for releasing a confidential document containing allegations against him.

Steele-John removed a social media post that contained the three-page letter sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge in October. The document called for an investigation into claims that the senator behaved inappropriately toward women between 2017 and 2025. He said he initially shared the text because he believed the full letter was already circulating online. "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.

In a statement posted late Friday night, the 32-year-old explained that he considered joining Senate estimates virtually but was told it would be unacceptable. He cited a growing chorus of voices urging him to stay away from the floor. Steele-John argued that a precedent had been set for keeping parliamentarians out when allegations are raised. "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately," he said.

The dispute over his status followed a public disagreement with Shoebridge regarding whether the senator was on leave. Shoebridge stated that Steele-John asked for leave and that he accepted it last week after seven party members wrote to him urging an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave.

The complaints are now under independent investigation commissioned by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. The letter, dated 13 October, said its authors were aware of multiple allegations of serious misconduct regarding his behavior in the presence of women.

The document described a claim of sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event in 2024, which the alleged victim had not reported for fear of backlash. Another allegation referenced serious sexual misconduct in 2025. Steele-John said this claim was raised by a former partner and had been investigated by Western Australian police, which found no charges. Police confirmed to the Guardian that the investigation was closed in May with no charges laid.

The letter also cited a disparaging nickname for the senator, "feels on wheels," which the authors said suggested a reputation for inappropriate behavior. They stressed that an allegation does not equate to fact or guilt. In a statement last Sunday, Steele-John rejected the claims and accused an unofficial faction within the WA branch of leaking the letter to remove him from the Senate.