Full Breakdown
Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John Takes Leave Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Comments to Women
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
- On October 15, 2026, Senator Jordon Steele-John, a Western Australian Greens senator, requested leave from the Greens party room after a letter from seven party members alleged he made inappropriate comments to women between 2017 and 2025. Greens leader David Shoebridge accepted the leave.
Background & Context
- Steele-John entered the Senate in 2017 at age 23, filling a casual vacancy after Scott Ludlam was ruled ineligible. He serves as the Greens spokesperson for disability inclusion, health and mental health and has led the party’s campaign against NDIS cuts.
Timeline
- 2017 – Steele-John appointed to the Senate.
- 2017-2025 – Period covered by the allegations in the letter.
- October 14, 2026 – Letter circulated warning that women were advised not to be alone with the senator.
- October 15, 2026 – Letter sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge; Steele-John requests leave; Shoebridge accepts.
Official Statements & Responses
- He added that one complaint concerns him being the victim of family violence.
- He confirmed acceptance of Steele-John’s leave from the party room.
Data & Statistics
- Seven Greens party members authored the letter.
- Allegations span an eight-year period (2017-2025).
- Steele-John holds the party’s disability, health and mental-health portfolios and is a prominent public figure for the Greens.
Criticism & Opposition
- The seven signatories argued that the alleged behaviour contradicts the Greens’ public stance of believing women. They called for an independent investigation of every allegation and urged the party to revise protocols so action does not depend on police charges.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sources differ on whether Steele-John’s leave also includes stepping away from parliamentary duties; some note his absence from the Senate chamber during votes, while others state it is unclear if formal parliamentary leave has been taken.
- The allegations are described as “without specifics,” and no police or judicial findings have been disclosed, leaving the factual basis of the claims unverified.
What’s Next
- The Western Australian Greens have been tasked with commissioning an independent complaints process. The review’s findings and any recommended changes to party protocols are pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If someone has made an allegation, I am prepared to address it.” — Senator Shoebridge
- “In the circumstances Senator Steele-John has requested leave from the Party Room and I have accepted it,” — Senator Shoebridge
- “I've dealt with it with the urgency which I think is appropriate," Senator Shoebridge told reporters in Canberra.” — Senator Shoebridge