WA Greens Senator Steele-John to Skip Parliament Amid Misconduct Allegations

WA Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has confirmed he will not attend parliament when it resumes next week, amid allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women, which he has denied.

Senator Steele-John took to social media on Friday night to publish a letter detailing the allegations, which was addressed to Greens leader David Shoebridge and signed by seven current and former Greens staff or party office bearers.

The letter, dated October 13, stated that the writers had been made aware of "multiple allegations of serious misconduct" being made against Senator Steele-John "spanning almost a decade (2017-2025)".

"These allegations all concern his behaviour in the presence of women. We are aware of multiple women who have taken up roles or volunteered in the party, who because of these allegations, have been warned not to be alone with him."

The letter urged Senator Shoebridge to commission an independent investigation into the allegations and review and update gendered violence protocols.

Senator Steele-John has repeatedly and strenuously denied the allegations.

On Saturday, the 32-year-old senator said a copy of the letter was sent to him by Chief Political Commentator for the Nine papers, James Massola, who then broke the story on October 15.

"I'm now not sure that was the right call and I've taken it down. I'm really sorry for any additional distress it caused,"

Senator Steele-John said, and reiterated his absence from parliament next week.

An independent investigation into the matter will be conducted by the WA branch of the Greens.

In the days following allegations being made public, Senator Shoebridge initially said it was his understanding that Senator Steele-John was taking leave from parliament.

"I think the community assumptions are that he step aside for the extent of this inquiry and I've communicated that to Jordon,"

Senator Shoebridge told Radio National Breakfast on Thursday.

In a statement on Saturday, Senator Shoebridge reiterated his view that Senator Steele-John take leave.

"This is in no way a prejudgement of any of these matters,"

Senator Shoebridge said.

Senator Steele-John reflected in his post on Friday that there had been a "growing chorus" calling on him to not attend parliament next week, when senate estimates will take place.

"I have explored attending digitally but have been informed that would also be unacceptable,"

Senator Steele-John said.

"The precedent has now been set: any MP can be kept out of parliament by allegations of allegations."