Senator Steele-John denies leave, accuses Greens factions of rumor campaign
Senator Jordon Steele-John says he is not on leave and claims internal Greens factions have used rumors to damage his reputation.
Senator Jordon Steele-John issued a near-2400-word response on social media, rejecting reports that he had taken leave from the Greens party room, a claim made by leader David Shoebridge after an internal complaint. Steele-John asserted that factions within the WA Greens have deliberately spread vague rumors about his behaviour toward women to sway preselection outcomes. He highlighted a 47-page internal dossier that lists allegations dating from 2017 to 2025 and outlined how a nickname used in Parliament was misinterpreted as an accusation.
The senator expressed concern over an unnamed incident at a 2024 Greens event, noting the lack of details prevents a proper response. He also referenced past personal experiences of family violence and framed one outlet dispute as a factional smear campaign, pledging to participate fully in the party’s investigation.
Why it matters
The dispute reveals internal factional tensions within the Greens and raises questions about how political parties handle allegations and internal investigations.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the senator’s denial of allegations and blame Greens factionalism, with no substantive differences.
LEFT
Covers the story as a factional smear campaign, highlighting the senator’s claim that WA Greens factions spread vague rumors and noting his personal background of family violence.
CENTER
Covers the story as a denial of wrongdoing, labeling the accusations false and attributing the controversy to internal party factionalism while noting an ongoing Greens investigation.
The left emphasises
- accuses Greens factions of deliberately spreading vague rumors
- references a 47-page internal dossier of allegations
- mentions his personal experience of family violence
In this story
