Senator Steele-John is facing allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women, which he has denied. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
In short:
WA Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has confirmed he will not attend parliament when it resumes next week.
Senator Steele-John is facing allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women, which he has denied.
What's next?
An independent investigation led by the WA Greens is expected to get underway imminently.
WA Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will not be attending parliament next week, as he releases a copy of a letter detailing allegations of misconduct against him.
The letter, dated October 13, is addressed to Greens leader David Shoebridge and signed by seven current and former Greens staff or party office bearers.
The writers, who are not named, state they have been made aware of "multiple allegations of serious misconduct" being made against Senator Steele-John "spanning almost a decade (2017-2025)".
"These allegations all concern his behaviour in the presence of women. We are aware of multiple women who have taken up roles or volunteered in the party, who, because of these allegations, have been warned not to be alone with him."
The letter goes on to state the accusations have come from both inside and outside the party, and urges Senator Shoebridge to commission an independent investigation into the allegations, and review and update gendered violence protocols.
In a social media post last night, Senator Steele-John said a copy of the letter was sent to him by chief political commentator for the Nine papers, James Massola, who then broke the story on October 15.
Senator Steele-John has repeatedly and strenuously denied the allegations.
An independent investigation into the matter will be conducted by the WA branch of the Greens.
'Growing chorus'
In the days following allegations being made public, Senator Shoebridge initially said it was his understanding the Senator Steele-John was taking leave from parliament.
But last Sunday the WA senator denied that was the case in a lengthy open letter, prompting the federal Greens leader to encourage his colleague to take leave.
"I think the community assumptions are that he step aside for the extent of this inquiry and I've communicated that to Jordon," Senator Shoebridge told ABC Radio National Breakfast on Thursday.
Senator Steele-John reflected last night there had been a "growing chorus" calling on him to not attend parliament next week, when senate estimates will take place.
"I have explored attending digitally but have been informed that would also be unacceptable," he said.
"The precedent has now been set: any MP can be kept out of parliament by allegations of allegations."
The office of Greens leader David Shoebridge has been contacted for comment.