Key facts
- Allegations of inappropriate behavior by Senator Jordon Steele-John towards women between 2017 and 2025 have surfaced.
- Steele-John denies the allegations and claims they are politically motivated.
- Greens leader David Shoebridge stated Steele-John agreed to take leave, but Steele-John disputes this.
- Expelling Steele-John would require a two-thirds majority vote in the party room.
Allegations of inappropriate behavior by Greens senator Jordon Steele-John have put his position in the party in limbo, presenting a significant challenge for new federal Greens leader David Shoebridge. The Nine newspapers reported a letter urging an independent investigation into claims that Steele-John acted inappropriately towards women between 2017 and 2025. Shoebridge announced Steele-John's leave amid an independent probe, but Steele-John has rejected the allegations, denied agreeing to take leave, and accused an internal faction within the WA Greens of playing political games. Shoebridge stated he cannot force Steele-John to take leave without a two-thirds party room vote for expulsion, a move described as 'nuclear'. The upcoming Senate estimates hearing presents a dilemma for the Greens regarding Steele-John's attendance, particularly as the party's disability spokesperson.