Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Greens Senator Steele-John to be investigated

The Western Australian Greens will investigate allegations that Senator Jordon Steele-John has behaved inappropropriately towards women.

Steele-John, who denies the claims, has taken leave from the Greens party room.

The WA senator has been in the parliament since 2017, when he filled a casual vacancy.

He is the party’s spokesman on disability.

The issue has blown up publicly after Nine media reported that a letter signed by seven party members had gone to new Greens leader David Shoebridge this week calling for an investigation into the matter.

Those signing include several current and former staffers.

Sources said none of those signing the letter had alleged Steele-John had acted inappropriately to them personally.

Several of the signatories are men.

The party crisis comes just as Shoebridge is settling into his leadership role, having replaced Senator Larissa Waters who stood down as leader due to ill health.

Nine reported the letter, which has not been released, as saying, We have been made aware of multiple allegations … being made against WA Federal Senator, Jordon Steele-John spanning almost a decade (2017-2025).

These allegations all concern his behaviour in the presence of women.

We are aware of multiple women who have taken up roles or volunteered in the party, who because of these allegations, have been warned not to … be alone with him,“ the authors state.

These warnings have come from inside and outside the party, demonstrating that knowledge of his alleged reputation extends beyond party membership and out into the community.

Steele-John said: I have referred this matter to the WA Greens, so that a fair, independent process can be commissioned that upholds the principles of natural justice and ensures procedural fairness for everyone involved.