WA Senator Skips Senate Session Amid Misconduct Probe

Western Australian Greens senator Jordon Steele-John confirmed on Saturday that he will not attend parliament next week. He is sitting out the session while an independent investigation into misconduct allegations against him reaches its conclusion. Steele-John, 32, denied all claims of inappropriate behavior during the period from 2017 to 2025.

The senator removed a social media post on Saturday afternoon that contained a three-page confidential letter. The document had been sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier this month. The letter outlined allegations that Steele-John behaved inappropriately toward women. Steele-John said he shared the post after learning the full text was circulating online. He did not want to appear to be hiding from the document.

"I'm now not sure that was the right call and I've taken it down. I am really sorry for any additional stress it caused," Steele-John said. He explained in a statement posted late Friday night that he considered joining Senate estimates virtually. Party officials told him that option was also unacceptable.

The letter, dated October 13, cited a sexual harassment allegation at a 2024 Greens campaign event. The alleged victim reportedly did not report the incident due to fear of backlash. The letter also referenced a claim of serious sexual misconduct in 2025. Steele-John stated this claim was raised by a former partner and investigated by Western Australian police. Police closed the investigation in May with no charges laid.

A dispute with Shoebridge recently cast doubt on Steele-John's attendance for the remainder of the year. Shoebridge stated that Steele-John requested leave, which the party leader accepted last week after seven members urged an investigation. Steele-John has denied agreeing to take leave. He argued that a precedent had been set for keeping parliamentarians out following allegations.

Steele-John rejected the claims in a statement last Sunday, accusing an unofficial faction within the Western Australian branch of leaking the letter. He described the leak as an attempt to remove him from the Senate through political games. The complaints are currently under review by an independent body commissioned by the WA Greens and have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.

The letter's authors noted that an allegation does not equal fact or guilt. They argued it was in the party's interest to investigate every claim thoroughly. The document also mentioned a disparaging nickname for the senator, suggesting a reputation for inappropriate behavior in the presence of women.