More than a week after allegations surfaced regarding Greens senator Jordon Steele-John's inappropriate behavior towards women, his position within the party remains uncertain. This situation poses a significant challenge for the new leader of the federal Greens, David Shoebridge, as the Senate estimates approach.
Background on the Allegations
Earlier this month, Nine newspapers reported that a three-page letter had been sent to Shoebridge, urging an independent investigation into Steele-John. The letter referenced second-hand allegations claiming that the Western Australian senator had acted inappropriately towards women between 2017 and 2025. As a progressive party that emphasizes fairness in such matters, Shoebridge announced Steele-John's leave amid the ongoing investigation.
Steele-John's Response
However, the situation quickly became more complex. Steele-John publicly rejected the allegations, denied that he had agreed to take leave from parliament, and accused an internal faction within the WA Greens of engaging in "nasty political games" by releasing the letter to the media. He stated:
“"I made a public statement because I didn’t want my silence on the letter’s claims to be perceived as guilt."
While Shoebridge maintains that Steele-John agreed to take leave, he acknowledges that he does not have the authority to force the senator to comply. Only a two-thirds majority of the party room, or more than seven members, could expel him in a secret ballot.
