Steele-John skips Senate week over probe

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will not attend parliament next week, a decision he confirmed while apologizing for publicly sharing a confidential internal letter detailing allegations against him. The 32-year-old senator from Western Australia stated he would focus on ensuring an independent investigation reaches a conclusion. He denied all claims of misconduct while acknowledging a growing call for him to step back from the chamber.

Steele-John removed a social media post on Saturday afternoon that contained the three-page letter. The document, dated October 13, had been sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier in the month. It outlined multiple allegations of serious misconduct regarding the senator's behavior in the presence of women between 2017 and 2025. The senator said he took the post down after learning the full letter was circulating online and did not want to appear as though he was hiding from it.

“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,” Steele-John said. He explained that he had considered attending Senate estimates virtually but was told that format would also be unacceptable. He noted that a precedent had been set for keeping parliamentarians out after allegations were made, adding, “Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately.”

The allegations include a 2024 incident of sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event. The alleged victim reportedly did not report the incident for fear of backlash. The letter also cited a 2025 allegation of serious sexual misconduct. Steele-John said this specific claim was raised by a former partner and was investigated by Western Australian police. Police confirmed to the senator that the investigation was closed in May with no charges laid.

The letter also referenced a disparaging nickname for the senator, “feels on wheels,” which authors said suggested a reputation for inappropriate behavior. The writers emphasized that an allegation does not equate to fact or guilt. They argued it was in the party's interest to investigate every claim thoroughly. The complaints are now the subject of an independent investigation commissioned by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.

Steele-John's absence follows a public dispute with Shoebridge over whether the senator was on leave. Shoebridge stated that Steele-John asked for leave, which was accepted last week after seven party members wrote urging an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave. 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” and said any claims should be investigated fairly and thoroughly.

The letter was first published by the Nine newspapers. Steele-John confirmed his absence from sittings as the independent reviews continue. He will concentrate on seeing the investigation through to its conclusion.