Tensions have escalated within the Australian Greens as Western Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John and party leader David Shoebridge publicly disagreed over whether Steele-John is currently on leave amid a sexual harassment investigation. The dispute emerged over the weekend following the release of a detailed statement by Steele-John denying that he agreed to take leave and disputing Shoebridge’s actions.
On Sunday night, Steele-John issued a statement rejecting Shoebridge’s claim that he was on leave. The senator said he was “stunned” by repeated pressure from Shoebridge to announce a leave of absence, arguing that there had been no formal complaint against him aside from one made by his alleged abuser. He described Shoebridge’s announcement of his leave as a “bad call” and suggested that internal party dynamics were influencing the situation. Steele-John acknowledged he might need time to care for personal matters but insisted he had asked Shoebridge not to make any public statement about leave.
Shoebridge, who assumed Greens leadership recently, responded on Monday, maintaining it was "appropriate" for Steele-John to take a break from federal parliament amid the investigation. While the party leader has not addressed the matter directly in public since Steele-John’s statement, a spokesperson reiterated that Shoebridge understood leave had been agreed upon and emphasized the importance of a fair, independent, and timely inquiry conducted by the Western Australian Greens. Shoebridge’s office confirmed that the process would follow procedural fairness principles and that the key findings will be made public.
An emergency federal party meeting called by Shoebridge took place Monday morning, which Steele-John attended. No immediate decisions were announced regarding Steele-John’s attendance in parliament this month or his longer-term status within the party. Additional meetings are expected to address these issues further.
The investigation into the allegations against Steele-John was first highlighted in a letter sent to Shoebridge last week, signed by seven members of the Greens. Details of the complaints have not been publicly disclosed, and Steele-John has denied all misconduct claims.
The internal dispute reveals tensions within the Greens at a sensitive moment, as the party navigates the complexities of addressing serious allegations while managing leadership and membership unity. Both figures have expressed a commitment to resolving the matter through proper investigative procedures, although their disagreement over the handling of leave underscores ongoing challenges in the party’s approach to the situation.