Steele-Jjohn Absent From Senate Sittings Amid Conduct Review

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will not attend the next week of Senate sittings, confirming a temporary break from parliament while allegations of misconduct are reviewed.

The senator, aged 32, removed a social media post on Saturday afternoon that had displayed a three-page letter sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge. The letter, dated 13 October and first published by Nine newspapers, detailed multiple allegations regarding his behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. Steele-John stated he had seen the full document circulating online and did not want to appear as if he were hiding from it. He admitted, "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."

In a statement posted late Friday night and since deleted, Steele-John noted that he had considered joining Senate estimates virtually but was told that arrangement was also "unacceptable." He argued that a precedent had been established for keeping parliamentarians out after "allegations of allegations." He added, "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately." His statement also referenced a "growing chorus" urging his absence.

The dispute over his attendance followed a disagreement with Shoebridge regarding his leave status. Shoebridge said Steele-John had requested leave, which was accepted last week after seven party members wrote to him urging an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave. His attendance for the remainder of the year was previously in doubt due to this internal conflict.

The complaints are currently the subject of an independent investigation commissioned by the Western Australian Greens. They have also been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. The letter described an allegation of sexual harassment at a 2024 Greens campaign event, noting the alleged victim had not reported it for fear of backlash. It also referenced a 2025 incident of "serious sexual misconduct." Steele-John stated this matter was raised by a former partner and investigated by Western Australian police, which closed the case in May with a finding of "no charges."

The internal letter also cited a disparaging nickname for the senator, "feels on wheels," which the authors said suggested a reputation for inappropriate conduct. The authors emphasized that "an allegation does not equate to a fact and/or guilt" and argued that thorough investigation served the party's interests. In a statement on Sunday, Steele-John rejected the claims and accused an "unofficial faction" within the Western Australian branch of leaking the document to remove him from the Senate, describing the move as playing "nasty political games."

Steele-John plans to concentrate on seeing the independent investigation through to its conclusion. The Senate sittings are scheduled to resume next week, with the senator absent from the floor during that period.