An independent parliamentary support service has been unable to investigate allegations against a Greens senator over his behaviour towards women, party leader David Shoebridge has revealed.
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service was initially approached over the allegations against senator Jordon Steele-John but was unable to deal with the matter because of the “circumstances and nature” of the claims, Senator Shoebridge told the ABC on Friday.
The allegations related to alleged inappropriate comments towards women between 2017 and 2025. Senator Steele-John, who has taken leave from the party room, denied the claims and said “I utterly reject this characterisation of me”.
Senator Shoebridge said he received a letter from seven current and former party members earlier in the week, raising concerns about the senator.
He said he took action immediately after receiving the information and referred the matter to the West Australian Greens for an independent investigation.
“I can say that none of the signatories of the letter asserted to any direct knowledge of the matters involved,” Mr Shoebridge said.
“But the matters concerned are taken seriously by myself as Greens leader, they are taken incredibly seriously by the party, and that’s why I have taken those steps to initiate the independent investigation by the Greens WA, and I’m grateful that Senator Steele-John referred the matter over in order for that to happen.”
The new Greens leader, who has held the position for two weeks, was also questioned about whether the party had turned a blind eye to concerns spanning Senator Steele-John’s parliamentary career. Senator Shoebridge said he could only speak to his own knowledge and actions.
“I knew absolutely nothing until assuming this position as leader,” Senator Shoebridge said.
“I can be responsible for my actions and set in the direction that I think is appropriate as the leader of the Greens.”
Senator Shoebridge said he had discussed leave with Senator Steele-John, who agreed to step away from the party room.
“I had a discussion with Senator Steele-John, and he agreed that he would go on leave,” he said.
Asked whether the senator would continue to attend parliament during the investigation, Senator Shoebridge said it was his understanding the leave meant he would not attend.
“Senator Steele-John has indicated to me that he’s on leave and that leave means leave,” he said.
Senator Shoebridge said the responsibility for the investigation rested with the WA Greens, under the party’s constitution, and argued the matter should be handled by the relevant state branch.
“The best way of dealing with this is with a fair, an independent, and a timely process commissioned by the WA Greens,” Mr Shoebridge said.
“I’m glad to say that Jordon referred the matter across there and that’s the goal here. I think people want this to be acted upon. They want it to be responded to promptly. They want a timely and fair and independent outcome.”