Greens face independent probe into senator's alleged misconduct amid internal turmoil

Within three weeks of becoming Greens leader, David Shoebridge received a letter from seven Western Australian Greens staffers and members demanding an independent probe into Senator Jordon Steele-John’s alleged inappropriate comments toward women between 2017 and 2025. The letter accuses the party of employing a crisis-communications manual to block media questions and to monitor critics. Former leader Richard Di Natale is referenced in the manual, though he claims ignorance of its existence, while ex-leaders Larissa Waters and Adam Bandt have remained silent.

Unlike a prior internal review of former Senator Dorinda Cox, the new inquiry will be run by Modern Legal, an employment-law firm appointed by the WA Greens division. Steele-John has publicly denied wrongdoing and contested calls for a leave of absence, creating a standoff with Shoebridge over parliamentary participation. The outcome hinges on protecting complainants and ensuring a transparent process.