WA Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John during a press conference with disability advocates in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 22, 2024. Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images
The Western Australian (WA) Greens party will seek legal advice on forming an independent inquiry into Senator Jordon Steele-John, after he was accused of making inappropriate comments in the presence of women.
The announcement comes amid media reports that a letter from seven Greens members regarding Steele-John’s alleged comments was tended to leader David Shoebridge on Oct. 14.
In a statement provided to The Epoch Times, signed by WA Greens co-convenors Simone Collins and Giz Watson, and state director Dean Smith, the party said any complaint or allegation must be handled fairly and independently.
“Everyone involved is entitled to natural justice and procedural fairness, and a process that is impartial from the outset is the best way to reach an outcome that all parties can have confidence in.
“With this in mind, the party will seek legal advice on how best to establish an independent inquiry into any matters relating to Senator Steele-John.”
The statement noted that the party takes all misconduct allegations seriously.
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“We know that raising concerns can be difficult, and we respect the courage it takes for anyone to come forward,” they said.
“Our party is built on the contributions of members, volunteers, staff and supporters, and every one of them deserves to feel safe and respected when they take part in our work.
“Maintaining that safety is a responsibility we hold seriously.”
The party asked that the privacy of all parties be respected while the process occurs, and said no further statements would be made until it was appropriate to do so.
Steele-John is currently taking leave from the Greens.
The senator told the ABC he rejects any characterisation of him that tries “to assert I am someone I am not.”
He said he was willing to address any allegation made against him and that he had referred the matter to the WA Greens.
The Epoch Times contacted Steele-John for further comment.
Steele-John was elected in 2017, according to his biography with the Greens.
“I have fought fiercely to improve the lives of disabled people, including the establishment of a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Disabled People,” his biography notes.
“I have formed inquiries to get dental into Medicare, and improve support for people with ADHD.
“And I have campaigned tirelessly to have the government revoke the AUKUS pact, and instead invest in services our community needs.”
