Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John has denied allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women, accusing elements within his party of engaging in “nasty political games” as an internal investigation into the claims gets underway.
The 32-year-old senator from Western Australia issued a public statement on Sunday, October 18, rejecting the allegations and challenging the account given by Greens leader David Shoebridge regarding his reported leave from the party room.
The controversy emerged after Shoebridge announced on Thursday that Steele-John had taken leave following a letter from seven current and former party members raising concerns about alleged misconduct spanning 2017 to 2025.
According to reports, the letter referred to multiple allegations concerning Steele-John’s behavior in the presence of women. The allegations have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the claims and the party’s handling of the matter.
Steele-John, however, has rejected the characterization of his conduct and disputed the suggestion that he is currently on leave, saying he did not agree to step aside as described by the party leader.
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Senator Cites Closed Police Investigation
In addressing an allegation of sexual assault, Steele-John said police had investigated the matter and closed the case without laying charges.
The senator maintained that the outcome of the police investigation should be considered in discussions surrounding that particular allegation. However, the absence of criminal charges does not, by itself, determine the outcome of the separate internal party investigation into the wider allegations.
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The broader claims remain subject to an internal review, with the party facing questions about how concerns involving one of its elected representatives were raised, handled and communicated.
Dispute Over Timing of Allegations
Steele-John also questioned the timing of the letter sent to Shoebridge, suggesting that internal political considerations may have influenced how the matter unfolded.
He argued that the allegations reached the party leader shortly after discussions had taken place regarding the timetable for the next preselection process ahead of the next federal election.
The senator described the timing as significant and accused Shoebridge of mishandling the situation.
His comments have introduced a political dimension to the controversy, with questions emerging about the relationship between the senator and the party leadership. However, his claims about political motives remain his own allegations and have not been independently established.
Questions Raised Over Earlier 47-Page Dossier
The controversy intensified following media reports that the Western Australian Greens had maintained a 47-page document concerning earlier allegations against Steele-John and possible strategies for managing media coverage if the claims became public.
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The reported existence of the dossier has raised questions about when party officials became aware of the concerns and what steps, if any, were taken in response.
Steele-John said the document had been prepared to prevent the media from bombarding the two women associated with the earlier claims. He also stated that neither woman had made a complaint in relation to those matters.
The dossier has become a separate focus of scrutiny, particularly regarding the distinction between managing media attention to protect individuals and ensuring that allegations of misconduct are appropriately addressed.
Greens leader David Shoebridge has previously denied that his office made, used or had seen the reported document, according to media reports.
Senator Addresses Controversial Nickname
In his statement, Steele-John also addressed the nickname “Feels on wheels”, which he said originally referred to his emotional responses while advocating for disability rights.
The senator, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, said the nickname had subsequently acquired a more sinister interpretation, becoming associated with allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women.
He argued that the development of the nickname had contributed to the controversy surrounding his name.
Steele-John was first elected to the Australian Senate representing Western Australia in November 2017.
Greens Leadership Calls for Investigation
Shoebridge’s office has confirmed that the allegations were referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.
A spokesperson for the Greens leader maintained that taking leave remained appropriate under the circumstances, adding that any leave arrangement would not influence the internal investigation.
The differing accounts over Steele-John’s leave status have further complicated the situation, with the senator insisting that he has not stepped aside as described by the party leader.
The investigation is expected to examine the allegations through an independent process, although the details of the claims and the eventual findings have not been fully established publicly.
Steele-John Pledges Transparency and Accountability
Despite his strong denial of wrongdoing, Steele-John acknowledged that the allegations had the potential to damage public confidence in him.
He said he was committed to rebuilding that trust through greater transparency and accountability.
The case presents a significant challenge for the Australian Greens as the party faces scrutiny over its internal processes, its response to allegations of misconduct and the relationship between party leadership and elected representatives.
For now, Steele-John continues to deny the allegations, while the Greens maintain that an investigation is necessary to establish the facts.
The outcome of the inquiry, together with any further information released by the parties involved, will be important in determining how the matter progresses.
