A dispute within the Australian Greens has intensified after party leader David Shoebridge reiterated that Western Australian senator Jordon Steele-John should take personal leave while allegations of inappropriate conduct are investigated. Steele-John has denied wrongdoing and says he never agreed to step away from parliamentary duties. The disagreement was reported by ABC News on 19 October 2026.

Shoebridge's position is that taking leave would be appropriate while the allegations are assessed through an independent process commissioned by the WA Greens. A spokesperson for the party leader said Shoebridge understood that Steele-John had agreed to take leave, but the senator has publicly disputed that account.

Steele-John addressed the controversy in an open letter published on Sunday. He denied the allegations and criticised the way the issue had been handled within the party. He said he felt pressured during meetings with Shoebridge to agree to taking leave and was concerned that announcing such a decision could be interpreted as validating claims that he disputes.

The senator also alleged that internal party factions may be using the controversy to influence upcoming preselection decisions. He argued that information about the allegations had been released in a way that could damage his reputation and the prospects of people associated with him. These are Steele-John's claims, and they have not been independently established.

The allegations include claims of inappropriate behaviour towards women and an accusation of sexual misconduct relating to a former relationship. Steele-John has denied the allegations. The details have prompted calls for the matter to be examined through a fair process that protects the rights of everyone involved.

The WA Greens have said they are arranging an independent process to assess the allegations. Party representatives have emphasised the importance of procedural fairness and a timely investigation. The process is intended to examine the concerns without prejudging the outcome.

The dispute has also exposed longstanding tensions within the Western Australian branch of the Greens. Party members are preparing for preselection contests to fill a Senate vacancy following Dorinda Cox's departure from the party to join Labor. That upcoming contest has become part of the wider political context, although the existence of an internal dispute does not itself establish Steele-John's claim that the allegations were raised to influence preselection.

Steele-John was re-elected to a six-year Senate term in 2025, so he is not due to face another Senate preselection for several years. However, internal party relationships and the controversy could affect his working arrangements and political standing.

Shoebridge has said that recommending leave does not amount to a finding against the senator. His spokesperson reiterated that an independent investigation must be allowed to proceed fairly and efficiently. Steele-John, meanwhile, maintains that he should continue his parliamentary work and has rejected the suggestion that he agreed to take leave.

The controversy presents a difficult challenge for the Greens as the party balances the need to investigate complaints seriously with the obligation to ensure that allegations are assessed fairly. The outcome will depend on the evidence and the process followed by the independent investigator.

As of 19 October, the investigation was ongoing, and no final findings had been announced. Steele-John remains entitled to the presumption that allegations are not proven unless established through the appropriate process.