Jordan Steel-John, a Senator for the Australian Greens from Western Australia, has denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women, as set out in a letter from seven current and former party members. The Australian Greens have announced an independent inquiry, whilst the office of party leader David Shubridge has stated that the matter has been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC).
Briefly about the main points
- Stil-John denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
- The letter from the seven party members concerned reports on events from 2017 to 2025.
- The party announced an independent investigation, and the case files were forwarded to the IPSC.
- The parties give differing accounts as to whether the senator is on holiday.
What the senator said
Jordan Steel-John On 18 October, he stated that he denied the allegations of misconduct and regarded the situation as a manifestation of «dirty political games». According to reports by the BBC and SBS, the letter from seven current and former party members cited numerous allegations relating to the period from 2017 to 2025.
The senator also stated that he is not on leave from the party and had not agreed to take such leave. Separately, he said that the police investigation into the allegation of sexual assault had been closed without any charges being brought.
Consideration and dispute regarding leave
Leader of the Australian Greens David Shubridge It was previously reported that Steele-John had taken a leave of absence from the party’s executive following the receipt of the letter. A spokesperson for Shubridge told the BBC that the leave of absence was appropriate in the circumstances and would not affect the party’s internal review.
At the same time, Steele-John himself denies that he is on leave. The party has confirmed that an independent investigation into the allegations has begun, whilst Shubridge’s office has announced that the case has been referred to the IPSC.
What is the role of a parliamentary committee?
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission is an independent body that considers matters relating to standards of conduct in the parliamentary workplaces of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is neither a political body nor a police force.
The referral of materials to the IPSC does not constitute a ruling on the substance of the allegations. No public findings from an independent or internal investigation into possible breaches have been reported to date.
