WA Greens MPs Demand Transparency in Steele-John Investigation
Western Australian lawmakers urge public disclosure of findings regarding Senator Jordon Steele-John's conduct.
1Call for Institutional Transparency
Four Western Australian Greens MPs have formally requested that the party publicly release findings from the ongoing investigation into Senator Jordon Steele-John. They emphasize that such transparency is essential for maintaining accountability. The MPs argue that elected representatives must be held to high standards, particularly when facing serious allegations involving workplace safety.
2Scope of the Independent Probe
The WA MPs are pushing for the investigation to extend beyond specific allegations against Steele-John. They want a comprehensive review of the party’s internal processes for handling complaints. This expansion aims to evaluate how the organization managed concerns over the last decade, ensuring that future procedures prioritize fairness and procedural justice.
3Secret Dossier and Monitoring
Reports indicate the Greens maintained a secret 47-page dossier on Steele-John for ten years. This document, drafted in 2016, outlined strategies to suppress media coverage and monitor party members on social media. Staff were instructed to track negative comments and contact members who expressed concerns about the senator’s behavior online.
4Allegations and Current Status
Senator Steele-John has taken leave following a letter sent to federal leader David Shoebridge. The letter detailed multiple allegations regarding his behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. While Steele-John strongly denies these non-specific claims, the party has initiated an independent inquiry to address the reported inappropriate comments and actions.
5Leadership Response and Awareness
David Shoebridge ordered the independent investigation immediately after receiving the formal complaint this week. Shoebridge maintains he was unaware of any prior allegations against the senator before the letter arrived. However, the letter asserts that the senator’s alleged conduct was already well-known within various levels of the party organization.
6Internal Management and Training
The crisis strategy document reveals that former state convenor Sophie Greer was tasked with managing member feedback regarding Steele-John. The senator was also directed to undergo training with a senior media adviser. These actions suggest the party attempted to contain the issue internally long before the current public investigation began.
7Commitment to Procedural Fairness
The WA MPs, including Brad Pettitt and Sophie McNeill, stress that all parties involved are entitled to natural justice. They support a timely and independent process that allows complainants to feel safe. Their statement highlights a clear expectation that the party must move away from previous suppression tactics toward genuine accountability.
8Implications for Party Governance
This situation highlights significant failures in organizational governance and crisis management within the Greens. The demand for a public report signals a shift toward external oversight. Moving forward, the party must reconcile its internal handling of these decade-long issues with its public commitment to safety, transparency, and ethical conduct.