Greens leader David Shoebridge has stated it is his understanding that Senator Jordon Steele-John agreed to take leave from parliament while misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Shoebridge believes this leave is "appropriate" under the circumstances.
However, Senator Steele-John released a statement on Sunday night asserting he is not on leave and never agreed to stay away from parliament. He claimed Shoebridge pressured him to take leave after complaints about his conduct became public last week, and denied any allegations of misconduct.
Following Steele-John's statement, Shoebridge called an emergency federal party meeting on Monday morning. A statement attributed to a spokesman for Shoebridge reiterated the leader's opinion that leave is appropriate and that he understood leave was agreed. The statement also said Shoebridge believes the matter requires a fair, timely, and independent process, which the WA Greens are commissioning, with key findings to be made public.