Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Senator Jordon Steele-John have exposed divisions within the Greens’ support base, notably between disability advocates and women’s rights and victim support groups. The controversy centers on claims raised in a letter received by Greens leader David Shoebridge earlier this month, which allege a history of problematic conduct by the Western Australian senator.
Senator Steele-John, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, is a prominent parliamentary voice on disability issues amid ongoing debates over the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While many disability advocates initially expressed support for him following the revelations, concerns have emerged regarding his handling of the accusations.
Elly Desmarchelier, a disability rights advocate who also has cerebral palsy, criticised Senator Steele-John for refusing to take leave while the investigation proceeds. Desmarchelier argued that this response risks silencing potential complainants and undermines a fair process. She emphasised the seriousness of the harassment allegations reportedly made by multiple women and called for the senator to step aside during the inquiry.
In response to the allegations, Senator Shoebridge confirmed that Senator Steele-John had agreed to take leave during the investigation. However, the senator later refuted this account, accusing Shoebridge of pressuring him to step down and describing the leader’s statement as a “bad call.” Subsequently, Senator Steele-John announced he would not attend parliament in the coming week.
The senator also posted the letter containing the allegations on social media but deleted the post within 12 hours. In a follow-up statement, he referred to the claims as “allegations of allegations” and expressed regret over sharing the document publicly. These actions followed media inquiries highlighting concerns from Desmarchelier and other disability advocates about his handling of the situation.
Senator Steele-John has denied the allegations and said he was himself a victim of abuse by a former partner. The Western Australian Greens will oversee the investigation, and Shoebridge indicated the process would be conducted independently from the party. Nevertheless, some advocates, including Desmarchelier, expressed a lack of confidence in the Greens’ ability to manage the inquiry impartially.
Other disability advocates have weighed in as well. Carly Findlay, another prominent advocate, warned against using disability as a means to deflect accountability. Meanwhile, Samantha Connor, a former president of People with Disability Australia who has known Senator Steele-John since his youth, called for privacy and due process. She stressed that any complaints should be addressed fairly and confidentially, with appropriate support and independent examination.
The unfolding situation highlights tensions within the Greens and among their supporters as the party navigates allegations against one of its most recognized parliamentary figures.