Shoebridge confirms Steele-John’s leave, says integrity of complaints process essential
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave from the party room after seven party members demanded an investigation into allegations he made inappropriate comments to a number of women, according to the Nine newspapers, which reported the development on Thursday afternoon. Guardian Australia subsequently reported the development. Greens leader David Shoebridge confirmed the leave.
The leave takes effect as Steele-John said he had referred the matter to the Western Australian Greens for what he described as a “fair, independent process” that “upholds the principles of natural justice and ensures procedural fairness for everyone involved.”
Shoebridge, described by Guardian Australia as the party’s new leader, confirmed on Thursday that Steele-John had requested leave “and I have accepted it.” The party takes “concerns of this nature extremely seriously,” Shoebridge said.
In a statement, Steele-John rejected the claims. “I utterly reject this characterisation of me, which tries to assert I am someone I am not,” he said. “These claims are made without specifics, any allegation of this nature is extremely serious and must be treated accordingly. If someone has made an allegation, I am prepared to address it.”
Shoebridge framed the matter in procedural terms. “This matter needs to be resolved via a fair and independent review that ensures all parties are entitled to natural justice and procedural fairness,” he said. “The Australian Greens take complaints seriously, and as leader I want to make it clear that the integrity of the complaints process is essential.”
In his statement, Steele-John also addressed the substance of the complaints letter. “The letter says that victims of sexual and family violence should be at the centre of any investigation. I agree. In the one complaint of which I have been made aware, I am the person who experienced family violence,” he said.
Guardian Australia reported it had approached the Greens for further comment. More details to follow.