Full Breakdown
Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John Faces Allegations and Steps Away from the Party Room
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Allegations Prompt Senator to Leave the Party Room
Seven current and former Greens members sent a letter to leader David Shoebridge alleging “multiple allegations” about Senator Jordon Steele-John’s behaviour toward women between 2017 and 2025. The letter, received on a Tuesday night, triggered an independent inquiry commissioned by the Western Australian Greens and a referral to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC). On 16 October 2026, Shoebridge announced that Steele-John would not attend parliament while the investigation proceeds, describing the decision as “leave means leave.”
Background & Context
Steele-John claims an “unofficial faction” in the WA branch leaked the complaint to influence upcoming preselection contests, linking the leak to a timeline agreed the previous day. Media reports cite a 47-page “secret dossier” first drafted in 2016; Shoebridge says his office has never seen it. Steele-John also references a long-standing nickname, “feels on wheels,” originally from his speeches on the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Disabled People.
Data & Statistics
- Seven Greens members authored the complaint letter.
- Allegations span 2017–2025 and include unspecified inappropriate comments, alleged sexual harassment at a 2024 campaign party, and a claim of “serious sexual misconduct.”
- The alleged dossier totals 47 pages and was first drafted in 2016.
- WA police closed a related sexual-assault investigation with no charges filed.
- Steele-John alleges a former partner sent over 700 messages and demanded $12,000 in compensation; the police report found no criminal charge.
Official Statements & Responses
- David Shoebridge said he had no prior knowledge of the allegations, accepted Steele-John’s request to step away, and emphasized that “leave means leave.” He added the party does not control the independent investigation and is committed to a “fair, independent and timely process.”
- The Western Australian Greens confirmed the 47-page document’s existence, will seek legal advice for an independent inquiry, and reiterated that all members deserve a safe workplace.
- Leonie McGregor, chief executive of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, noted the service had not received the complaint letter but had offered options, including referral to the IPSC.
- Dave Sharma, Liberal senator, called it “appropriate” for Steele-John to take leave while the allegations are investigated.
- Simone Collins (co-convenor, Greens WA) and Dean Smith (state director) stressed the party’s responsibility to ensure safety and respect for volunteers and staff.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Leave status: Steele-John publicly asserts he is not on leave and that Shoebridge pressured him to claim otherwise; Shoebridge maintains the senator “indicated” he would take leave and that the decision has been accepted.
- Details of allegations: The complaint letter did not specify the incidents, and Steele-John says he cannot respond without further information.
- Secret dossier: Media outlets report its existence, but Shoebridge denies his office ever saw the document, leaving its contents unverified.
What’s Next
The Western Australian Greens have commissioned an independent investigation and referred the matter to the IPSC. No timetable for the inquiry’s completion has been disclosed. All parties have emphasized the need for “natural justice” and “procedural fairness” as the process unfolds.