Senator Jordon Steele-John of the Australian Greens has denied allegations of inappropriate conduct toward women, marking the latest development in a controversy that surfaced earlier this week. Greens leader David Shoebridge announced last Thursday that the 32-year-old senator had taken leave from the party room following a letter from seven current and former party members outlining multiple misconduct allegations spanning a period from 2017 to 2025.
In a statement posted online, Steele-John rejected the claims and stated he was not actually on leave as reported. Regarding a sexual assault allegation specifically, he noted that police had completed their investigation, determining insufficient grounds to proceed with charges. An internal party inquiry has been established to examine the allegations further.
Steele-John characterized the timing and handling of the matter as politically motivated, suggesting the allegations emerged strategically following discussions about preselection procedures for an upcoming federal election. He criticized Shoebridge’s management of the situation and disputed the characterization of his nickname, saying it had been reframed to carry inappropriate implications. Additionally, local media reported that party officials had previously compiled a 47-page document years earlier documenting allegations against him and strategies for managing potential media coverage. Steele-John explained the document was created to protect individuals involved rather than to conceal misconduct, asserting that neither central figure had formally filed a complaint.
Steele-John acknowledged the potential reputational damage from the allegations and expressed commitment to restoring public confidence through transparency and accountability measures. Shoebridge’s office confirmed the matter had been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. A spokesperson maintained that the leader believed a leave of absence remained warranted under current circumstances, though such leave would not affect the ongoing internal investigation. Steele-John, who was first elected to the Senate from Western Australia in November 2017, uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy.
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