Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has stepped away from party room duties pending an independent review following complaints about his conduct. The allegations involve claims that Steele-John made inappropriate comments to several women between 2017 and 2025.

The complaints, reportedly raised by seven party members, prompted calls for an investigation. Steele-John has denied the allegations, emphasizing his commitment to a fair and impartial process. In a statement, he rejected the characterisation of his conduct, describing the claims as serious and made without specific details. He expressed willingness to engage with any formal allegations brought forward.

The Western Australian Greens have confirmed they will seek legal advice on how to establish an independent inquiry into the matter. A joint statement from convenors Giz Watson and Simone Collins, along with state director Dean Smith, underscored the party’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, and staff.

Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge said he accepted Steele-John’s request for leave from the party room. Shoebridge stressed the importance of addressing concerns through a fair and independent review process that guarantees natural justice and procedural fairness to all involved. He added that the party takes complaints seriously and is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the process.

At the time the allegations were brought to Shoebridge’s attention, neither the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service nor the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission had any open investigations involving Steele-John.

In his statement, Steele-John also noted his agreement that victims of sexual and family violence must be central to any investigation. He revealed that in one particular complaint known to him, he is the individual who experienced family violence.

Steele-John, born in England, was elected to the Australian Senate representing Western Australia at age 22 in 2017 following the resignation of former Greens senator Scott Ludlam due to dual citizenship issues. Since 2019, Steele-John has served as the party’s spokesperson on disability, and he has also previously held roles as spokesperson for defence and nuclear issues.

Shoebridge, who served in the New South Wales upper house until 2022, said he had no prior knowledge of allegations or rumours against Steele-John before receiving the letter outlining the complaints in his capacity as Australian Greens leader. He indicated the matter has been addressed with urgency within the party.