Jordon Steele-John takes leave during inquiry into conduct allegations
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John says he will take leave from parliament while an independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women is pursued. He denies wrongdoing and says he is staying away after pressure grew for him not to attend Senate estimates, arguing that he has been excluded on the basis of unspecified allegations.
The allegations concern conduct between 2017 and 2025, but Steele-John says no formal complaint has been made and that the claims have not been detailed. Seven Greens members called for an investigation in a letter to party leader David Shoebridge, who says leave is appropriate and does not imply a judgement on the claims. Steele-John has also questioned the timing of the letter, linking it to the party’s preselection timetable.
In short
- Jordon Steele-John will take leave during a misconduct inquiry.
- He denies wrongdoing and says no formal complaint has been made.
- Seven Greens members called for an investigation.
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The case for
Taking leave while an independent inquiry proceeds can protect parliamentary work from disruption and give investigators space to establish the facts. Supporters of the decision may also see it as a prudent response to concerns raised by party members, while Shoebridge has stressed that leave is not a finding against Steele-John.
The case against
Steele-John’s case is that stepping aside under pressure, before the allegations have been specified or a formal complaint made, risks treating untested claims as grounds for exclusion. He says the timing may be connected to preselection, and argues that fair process requires clear particulars and a chance to respond before his parliamentary role is curtailed.
Explained simply
Jordon Steele-John is an Australian Greens senator, representing Western Australia in the federal parliament. Senate estimates are hearings where senators question government officials about public spending and administration.
The Greens are investigating allegations about Steele-John’s conduct towards women over several years. He denies wrongdoing and says no formal complaint has been made; the allegations have not been specified publicly.
The inquiry matters because it will shape how the party responds to the claims, while Steele-John’s absence affects his parliamentary work. Greens leader David Shoebridge says taking leave does not amount to a judgement on whether the allegations are true.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Greens senator accused of inappropriate behaviour around women blasts ‘allegations of allegations’”.