WA Greens senator to miss parliament amid allegations

WA Greens senator Jordon Steele-John announced he will not be attending parliament when it reconvenes next week, amid allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women. Steele-John has categorically denied these accusations. An independent investigation into the matter is anticipated to commence shortly. Steele-John recently received a letter, dated October 13, from seven current and former Greens staff or party office bearers, detailing allegations of misconduct spanning from 2017 to 2025.

These allegations pertain to his behavior in the presence of women. Multiple women who have worked or volunteered in the party have been warned against being alone with him due to these allegations. The letter urges Senate leader David Shoebridge to commission an independent investigation and review gendered violence protocols. Steele-John, in a statement on social media, stated that a copy of the letter was provided to him by journalist James Massola, who broke the story on October 15.

Steele-John has consistently denied the allegations. Following the allegations' public disclosure, Senate leader Shoebridge initially suggested Steele-John would be taking leave from parliament, but Steele-John later denied this in an open letter, prompting the federal Greens leader to encourage his colleague to step aside during the inquiry.