Steele-John misses four Senate days as misconduct probe concludes

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will miss four days of Senate sittings next week. The 32-year-old Western Australian confirmed his absence on Saturday afternoon. This period marks the final phase of an independent review into his conduct.

Steele-John removed a social media post on Saturday that contained a three-page letter. The letter, dated 13 October, was originally sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge. It outlined allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. The senator stated he took down the post because he learned the full text was circulating online. "I'm now not sure that was the right call and I've taken it down," he said.

The document cited multiple claims, including sexual harassment at a Greens campaign event in 2024. It also referenced serious sexual misconduct in 2025, which Steele-John said was raised by a former partner. Western Australian police closed that investigation in May with no charges laid. The letter also noted a disparaging nickname used for the senator, calling him "feels on wheels," which authors suggested indicated a reputation for inappropriate behavior.

In a statement posted late Friday night, Steele-John said he considered joining Senate estimates virtually. He said he was told that option was also unacceptable. He argued that a precedent had been set for keeping parliamentarians out after allegations were made. "Had an allegation or complaint been made against me, I would have taken these actions immediately," he wrote.

The senator denied agreeing to take leave, a point of contention with Shoebridge. The Greens leader said he accepted a leave request last week after seven party members wrote urging an investigation. The complaints are now under review by an independent body commissioned by the WA Greens and have also been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.

Steele-John has denied all claims. In a statement last Sunday, he rejected the allegations and accused an unofficial faction within the WA branch of leaking the letter. He described the move as playing nasty political games to remove him from the Senate. He insisted any claims about his behavior should be investigated fairly and thoroughly.