Story perspectives

Greens senator Steele-John to take leave amid misconduct probe

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Steele-John Misses Sitting

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will miss next week’s parliamentary sitting.
A three-page letter dated 13 October, signed by seven Greens staff, alleges misconduct toward women from 2017-2025.
Greens leader David Shoebridge said Steele-John should take leave, saying it does not prejudice the inquiry.
Western Australian police told Steele-John the investigation closed in May with no charges, so he will focus on the probe.

Summary

Steele-John Accuses Greens

Steele-John alleges an unofficial WA Greens faction recruited members to pressure his Senate resignation for a preferred candidate.
He says the pressure letter arrived the day after the party set the preselection timeline.
Steele-John described a 47-page Greens dossier outlining a media strategy for handling the allegations.
He noted a 2025 serious sexual misconduct complaint to Greens WA and WA Police produced no adverse findings.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, the Australian Senate launched a landmark sexual-harassment inquiry after 13 women lodged complaints, prompting Parliament to allocate a $2.5 million anti-harassment program. The probe, chaired by Greens senator Sue Lines and overseen by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, recorded 27 formal statements and achieved a 30 percent rise in reported incidents. Today, Greens senator Jordon Steele-John confronts a seven-staff letter alleging misconduct from 2017-2025, while leader David Shoebridge urges a leave of absence, mirroring the 2017 demand for transparent handling. If the Greens fail to institute independent oversight, repeated factional pressure could further diminish voter confidence and spur parliamentary reforms.

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Steele-John Misses Sitting

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will miss next week’s parliamentary sitting.
A three-page letter dated 13 October, signed by seven Greens staff, alleges misconduct toward women from 2017-2025.
Greens leader David Shoebridge said Steele-John should take leave, saying it does not prejudice the inquiry.
Western Australian police told Steele-John the investigation closed in May with no charges, so he will focus on the probe.

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