Steele-John absent as NDIS estimates begin without Greens disability voice

Jordon Steele-John was not present for the start of Senate estimates this week, leaving the Greens without their disability spokesperson during questioning on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The 32-year-old senator missed the opening session on Friday, a decision that removes a key voice from discussions about major changes to the NDIS scheduled to occur by the end of the decade.

The absence follows a dispute that began more than a week ago when The Nine newspapers reported a three-page letter sent to party leader David Shoebridge. The letter called for an independent investigation into secondhand allegations that Steele-John acted inappropriately toward women between 2017 and 2025. Shoebridge announced that Steele-John would take leave while the probe examined the claims.

Steele-John rejected the narrative that he had agreed to step aside. He denied the allegations and accused an internal faction of the Western Australian Greens of releasing the letter to play "nasty political games." He stated he spoke publicly to prevent his silence from being interpreted as guilt. Shoebridge maintains the senator agreed to leave but concedes he cannot force the issue alone. A secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority, or more than seven members, to vote for expulsion would be necessary to compel compliance.

In a statement issued late Friday, Steele-John said he explored attending the hearings digitally but was told that format would also be unacceptable. He stated he would focus on the independent and timely investigation he hopes the Greens Western Australia will commence soon. The NDIS is set for major changes before 2030, and Steele-John is noted as well liked within the disability community.

The situation places a test on Shoebridge’s new leadership. The Greens rely on consensus decision-making, and Shoebridge would need broad backing from the party room to pursue expulsion. If the Western Australian Greens’ investigation clears Steele-John, his standing in the party could still be damaged. The decision on forcing leave will reflect on Shoebridge’s handling of party process and may lead to a bitter internal fight.

For many supporters, allowing a federal member accused of misconduct to continue public duties is difficult to accept, even though no complainant has directly come forward. The concern is heightened by a cultural backlash against the #MeToo movement. Whether the allegations were raised for advantage in the state's pre-selection remains part of the picture, though rumors have followed the senator throughout his time in office.