Steele-John to sit out Senate week amid misconduct review

Three pages. That is the length of a confidential letter detailing allegations of serious misconduct against Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, which he publicly released before withdrawing the post on Saturday afternoon. The document, dated October 13, outlines claims that the 32-year-old behaved inappropriately towards women during a period spanning 2017 to 2025. Steele-John has now confirmed he will not attend parliament next week while these claims are examined.

The senator admitted that he initially shared the full letter on social media because he learned it was circulating online and did not wish to appear evasive. He later removed the post, stating that he is "really sorry for any additional stress it caused." The letter had originally been sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier this month. It cites multiple instances of alleged misconduct, including a specific claim of sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event in 2024. The alleged victim reportedly did not report the incident due to a fear of backlash.

A separate allegation in the letter references "serious sexual misconduct" in 2025. Steele-John noted that this specific claim was raised by a former partner and was investigated by Western Australian police. The police closed the investigation in May without laying charges. The letter also mentioned a disparaging nickname used for the senator, describing it as evidence of a reputation for inappropriate behavior. The authors of the letter emphasized that an allegation does not equate to guilt and argued that a thorough investigation served the party's interests.

Steele-John has denied all claims. In a statement posted Sunday, he accused an "unofficial faction" within the Western Australian branch of leaking the letter to the media. He described the timing as "nasty political games" intended to remove him from the Senate. He asserted that any claims regarding his behavior should be investigated fairly and thoroughly.

His absence from the Senate follows a public dispute with Shoebridge regarding his leave status. Shoebridge stated that Steele-John requested leave, which was accepted last week after seven party members wrote to him urging an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave. He previously considered attending Senate estimates virtually but was told that arrangement would be "unacceptable." He now plans to focus on the independent investigation commissioned by the WA Greens.

The complaints have also been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. Steele-John pointed to a growing number of voices calling for his absence from parliament during the review. He noted that a precedent had been set for keeping parliamentarians out following such allegations, stating he would have taken the same actions immediately had a formal complaint been made against him.

The letter was first published by the Nine newspapers. Steele-John's decision to skip next week's sittings means he will not be present in the chamber while the independent review proceeds. The Senate will continue its scheduled business without him in attendance.