In brief
Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele‑John has said he was falsely accused of misconduct toward women, adding that the claims are part of dirty party politics. He denies a sexual‑assault complaint, noting that police closed the case with no charges. The opposition leader says the letter came just after a pre‑selection timeline was agreed, hinting at political timing. An internal inquiry has since begun, with the party sharing a 47‑page dossier that led to a media cover‑up plan.
Greens Senator Jordon Steele‑John, a pro‑disability rights advocate, has denied a spike of allegations that he behaved inappropriately toward women. He claimed the sexual‑assault complaint was dropped by police and that no charges followed.
Steele‑John said the claims came after a new pre‑selection timeline had been agreed, calling the timing political and accusing leader David Shoebridge of mishandling the dispute. He added that the party had prepared a 47‑page dossier years earlier on how to cover the issue, which he now says was to protect the women involved from media scrutiny.
The Greens have launched an internal probe, and the allegations have been referred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. Steele‑John expressed a commitment to rebuilding public trust by acting transparently and with accountability.
He also highlighted his wheelchair use and his activist stance on disability rights, noting that his nickname “Feels on wheels” evolved from an emotional advocacy label to one used by critics of his conduct.
