Senator Jordon Steele-John stays home as investigation into misconduct claims proceeds

Jordon Steele-John, the Western Australian Greens senator, has confirmed he will not attend parliament next week while an independent investigation into misconduct allegations against him continues. The decision comes after he publicly apologized for sharing a confidential letter containing the claims on social media. Although he denies all accusations, the senator acknowledged that releasing the document may have added unnecessary stress to the process.

The primary point of contention involves the handling of a three-page letter sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge in early October. The document outlined multiple allegations of serious misconduct, specifically regarding his behavior around women between 2017 and 2025. Steele-John stated that he removed the post after learning the full text was circulating online, arguing he did not want to appear evasive. He expressed regret for any additional strain the public release caused, noting that he now questions whether sharing it was the correct move.

Caveats and open questions remain regarding the senator's official status during this period. A dispute emerged over whether Steele-John is on leave. Shoebridge stated that the senator requested and received leave last week, following a letter from seven party members urging an inquiry. However, Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave, suggesting the situation was more complex. He noted that a growing group of voices had called for him to stay away, setting a precedent for managing allegations before a formal complaint is filed.

The independent investigation was commissioned by the Western Australian branch of the Greens and has also been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. The original letter, dated October 13, highlighted a specific allegation of sexual harassment at a 2024 campaign event. The alleged victim reportedly did not report the incident due to fear of backlash. The authors emphasized that an allegation is not the same as guilt and believed a thorough probe served the party's interests.

Another claim in the letter referenced serious sexual misconduct in 2025, which Steele-John said was raised by a former partner. He noted that Western Australian police investigated the matter and closed the case in May with no charges laid. The letter also mentioned a disparaging nickname for the senator, suggesting a pattern of behavior, though it stressed the need for a fair and thorough review.

Steele-John has maintained that an unofficial faction within the Western Australian branch leaked the letter to the media in an attempt to remove him from the Senate. He described the situation as involving nasty political games and asserted that he is focusing on seeing the investigation through to its conclusion. His absence from the chamber for the remainder of the week highlights the tension between maintaining legislative duties and navigating internal party processes during high-profile inquiries.

The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the independent probe likely to determine his future role in the party. For now, the senator is prioritizing the completion of the investigation over his parliamentary attendance, a stance that has drawn mixed reactions from colleagues and observers. The next steps will depend on the findings of the Western Australian Greens and the parliamentary standards commission.