In brief
An Australian Greens senator has refuted accusations of inappropriate behaviour toward women, telling the media that the allegations are politically motivated. The claims, coming after a letter from seven party members, span from 2017 to 2025. Steele‑John, who uses a wheelchair, said police closed a related sexual‑assault case with no charges. The Greens leadership has opened an internal inquiry and the matter has been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. He pledged to rebuild public trust by acting transparently and sincerely.
Jordon Steele‑John has denied allegations that he behaved inappropriately towards women, calling the accusations an attack by his own party.
The claims were raised after Greens leader David Shoebridge announced that Steele‑John had taken leave following a letter from seven current and former members accusing him of “multiple allegations” of misconduct between 2017 and 2025.
Steele‑John said he has not been on leave, that police had closed the sexual‑assault case and no charges were made, and that the timing of the letter was suspicious, as it arrived the day after a pre‑selection timeline was agreed for the next federal election.
He pointed out that a 47‑page dossier compiled years earlier listed the alleged misconduct and guidelines for media response, and insisted it was created to protect the women involved, who had not lodged formal complaints.
The senator, who has cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair, explained that his nickname “Feels on wheels” originally reflected his emotional advocacy for disability rights, but has now taken a more sinister connotation.
An internal party probe has begun, and the situation has now been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. Steele‑John has pledged to rebuild public trust by acting with transparency and accountability.
