Steele-John Absent From Senate As Probe Continues

Australia’s parliamentary system currently operates without one of its more prominent independent voices. Jordon Steele-John, the Green senator representing Western Australia, has confirmed he will not attend parliament next week. His absence comes as an independent investigation into misconduct allegations against him continues.

Steele-John acknowledged that his decision to publicly share a confidential letter earlier this month added pressure on the process. The three-page document, dated October 13 and originally sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge, outlined claims of inappropriate behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. The senator admitted he had heard the letter was circulating online and wanted to avoid appearing evasive. "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 on Saturday.

The senator removed the social media post containing the letter on Saturday afternoon. In a statement posted late Friday night, which was later deleted, he explained that he considered joining Senate estimates virtually. He said he was told that remote participation would also be considered unacceptable. He noted a growing demand from colleagues for him to stay away from the floor. Steele-John argued that a precedent had been established for keeping parliamentarians out when facing allegations, stating, "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately."

The letter described an incident of sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event in 2024. The alleged victim reportedly did not report the incident to authorities out of fear of backlash. A second allegation referred to serious sexual misconduct in 2025. Steele-John stated this claim was raised by a former partner and investigated by Western Australian police. Police confirmed to Guardian Australia that the investigation was closed in May with no charges laid.

The document also cited a disparaging nickname for the senator, "feels on wheels," which the authors said indicated a reputation for inappropriate conduct. The letter emphasized that an allegation does not equate to guilt and that thorough investigation served the party's interest. The complaints are now being reviewed by an independent body commissioned by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.

Tensions within the party intensified last week after a public dispute over Steele-John's status. Shoebridge stated that the senator requested leave and that he accepted it after seven party members urged an inquiry. Steele-John denied agreeing to take leave, a disagreement that cast doubt on his attendance for the remainder of the year. Last Sunday, the senator rejected the allegations and accused an unofficial faction within the WA branch of leaking the letter to remove him from the Senate.

He described the move as playing nasty political games while insisting that any claims about his behavior should be investigated fairly and thoroughly. The independent review is now the primary channel for determining the outcome of the claims.