In brief
After a letter from seven party members raised multiple allegations against Senator Jordon Steele‑John, the 32‑year‑old denied any misconduct. He claims the issue was a timing‑based political attack and notes a police investigation closed without charges. An internal Greens inquiry has begun, while the independent parliamentary commission has received the case. Steele‑John, who uses a wheelchair, emphasizes rebuilding public trust through transparency despite the controversy.
After a letter from seven current and former Australian Greens members surfaced last Thursday, Senator Jordon Steele‑John denied claims of misconduct against women, alleging a political push behind the allegations.
The allegations, spanning 2017 to 2025, were directed at Steele‑John, who was first elected to the senate in Western Australia in November 2017. Greens leader David Shoebridge announced the senator had taken leave of absence, a claim Steele‑John refuted, saying he remains active in the party room.
In a public post, Steele‑John dismissed a sexual‑assault claim, noting police had closed the investigation and no formal charges were filed. He added that an internal party probe is underway while the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission has received a formal referral.
The senator highlighted that his nickname, “Feels on wheels,” which originally reflected his advocacy for disability rights, may have been taken out of context. He criticized the timing of the accusations, pointing out they were received the day after a pre‑selection timetable was finalized for the upcoming federal election.
Investigative reporting revealed a 47‑page dossier held by the Greens listing past complaints and media‑protocol guidelines. Steele‑John asserted the file was intended to shield two women, none of whom had officially lodged a complaint, from media scrutiny.
While recognising the potential damage to public trust, he vowed to rebuild credibility through transparency and accountability. Despite the unfolding investigation, the senator maintains his commitment to serving as a senator for his constituents.
