Australian Senator Takes Leave Amid Misconduct Probe, Citing 'Allegations of Allegations'

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John has announced he is taking leave from parliament, citing intense pressure stemming from a misconduct investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women. The Western Australia senator stated that the situation has left him "kept out by allegations of allegations."

Steele-John faces an independent investigation into several alleged incidents occurring between 2017 and 2025. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The senator indicated his decision to step away was in response to a "growing chorus" of opposition to his participation in Senate estimates committees scheduled for the upcoming week. He said he would have immediately withdrawn from parliament if a formal complaint or allegation had been made against him.

"The precedent has now been set: any MP can be kept out of parliament by allegations of allegations," Steele-John said in a statement released Friday night. He expressed hope that the Greens WA would soon commence an independent and timely investigation.

Earlier in the week, Steele-John had asserted he was not on self-imposed leave, contradicting a statement from party leader David Shoebridge. Steele-John accused Shoebridge of attempting to oust him from the party.

A spokesperson for Senator Shoebridge stated that the Greens leader understood an agreement had been reached for Steele-John to take leave. "Senator Shoebridge remains of the opinion that leave is appropriate under the circumstances and reiterates that this in no way prejudges any of the matters being referred to an inquiry commissioned by the WA Greens," the spokesperson said.

Steele-John suggested the circumstances created a presumption of guilt and alleged that factionalism was a driving force behind the situation. Senator Shoebridge, who assumed leadership in September, has denied prior knowledge of the allegations against his colleague.

The controversy began when seven Greens members reportedly penned a letter to Senator Shoebridge demanding an investigation into Steele-John's conduct around women. Steele-John previously stated that the letter's authors had not detailed specific allegations but vowed to cooperate with any investigation into particular incidents. He suggested the timing of the letter, shortly after the party finalized a preselection timeline, was not coincidental. Steele-John also denied knowledge of an alleged instance of sexual harassment at a 2024 Greens campaign event, stating, "I don't know how I could respond, or how anyone would begin to investigate it."