Greens leader David Shoebridge denied knowledge of a "secret dossier" detailing misconduct allegations against Senator Jordon Steele-John and how to suppress media coverage. Steele-John confirmed he would leave the party room amid historical complaints about inappropriate comments made to women.
The allegations and the existence of a "secret dossier" raise questions about the Greens' internal processes for handling misconduct complaints and maintaining a safe workplace, potentially impacting the party's public image and internal cohesion.
Greens leader David Shoebridge has denied knowledge of an alleged "secret dossier" containing misconduct allegations against Senator Jordon Steele-John and strategies for media suppression. The Nine newspapers reported on Friday afternoon the existence of the document, first drafted in 2016. Guardian Australia has not independently confirmed the document's contents. Shoebridge stated in a response that the document was not "made by, used by, or seen by the leader’s office." Steele-John confirmed on Thursday he would leave the party room after historical complaints about inappropriate comments made to women between 2017 and 2025 were publicly aired. He rejected the claims and referred them to the Western Australian Greens for an independent process. Shoebridge told ABC that he had referred the complaints to the parliamentary workplace support service, which was unable to deal with it. The service's chief executive, Leonie McGregor, said the office had provided Shoebridge's office with options, including referral to the independent parliamentary standards commission. Shoebridge confirmed Steele-John would not return to parliament until independent investigations were completed.
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