Greens Leader Lacks Power to Force Accused Senator Into Leave Without Party Vote

Jordon Steele-John will not attend this week's Senate estimates hearings as his Greens party remains deadlocked over whether to force the Western Australian senator onto leave. The absence leaves a gap in oversight for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a program facing major reforms by 2030. Steele-John serves as the party's disability spokesperson.

The dispute began earlier this month when The Nine newspapers published a three-page letter sent to Greens leader David Shoebridge. The letter requested an independent investigation into secondhand allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women between 2017 and 2025. Shoebridge initially announced that the 32-year-old senator would step back while the probe proceeded. However, Steele-John rejected the arrangement, stating he never agreed to leave and accusing a faction of the Western Australian Greens of playing "nasty political games." He spoke publicly to prevent his silence from being interpreted as guilt.

Shoebridge maintains that Steele-John did agree to the arrangement but concedes he cannot unilaterally compel the senator to step aside. Under party rules, only a secret ballot in which more than seven members of the party room vote to expel Steele-John can force compliance. This threshold requires two-thirds of the caucus. Such a move would be a drastic step that could damage Steele-John's standing even if the independent investigation clears him.

Steele-John issued a statement late Friday explaining his absence from the estimates. He said he had explored participating digitally but was "informed that would also be unacceptable." Instead, he will focus on the independent investigation he hopes the Western Australian Greens will commence soon. The estimates provide a rare opportunity for senators to question government officials about policy implementation and budget spending.

The situation has raised questions about how the new leadership handles internal conflicts. Shoebridge faces a test of his authority and the party's commitment to consensus decision-making. Supporters inside and outside the Greens have expressed concern about an accused member continuing public duties, even though no complainant has come forward directly. The backdrop includes a growing cultural backlash against the #MeToo movement, which adds pressure to the party's response.

Rumors have surrounded Steele-John throughout his time in office. Some suggest the allegations may have been raised to gain an advantage in the state's pre-selection process. Regardless of the origins, the leader now must decide whether to pursue expulsion or allow the senator to remain. The outcome will determine the tone of Shoebridge's leadership and could trigger a bitter internal fight.

Steele-John remains in his role as the party's disability spokesperson. The NDIS is set to undergo significant changes before the end of the decade, making his presence at the estimates a point of focus for disability advocates. The party room has yet to schedule the secret ballot that would be required to force his leave.