In his statement, Steele-John said he briefly dated the woman in 2025 and ended the relationship after recognising “abusive” behaviour. He alleged she tried to call him 56 times and sent more than 700 messages over 55 hours, containing “violent, abusive, and pornographic text, audio, and imagery”. He also alleged she threatened to destroy his reputation unless he paid a $12,000 invoice.
The senator specifically denied a claim that he had removed a condom without the woman’s knowledge during sex, writing: “This is just not true.” He said police closed the investigation with no charges.
Steele-John also addressed an alleged sexual harassment incident at a Greens campaign event in 2024, saying no details were provided. He said he had referred the concerns to the WA Greens and would participate in an investigation.
The existence of a “47-page dossier” that outlined media responses to historical allegations was confirmed by the WA Greens. Steele-John said the document was intended to ensure two women involved in an earlier dispute had their accounts accurately represented. Shoebridge’s office denied making, using or seeing the document.
On the question of leave, Steele-John disputed reports he had agreed to take leave from the party room. He said Shoebridge pressured him to take leave. Shoebridge told the ABC that Steele-John had indicated he was on leave and “that leave means leave”.
Steele-John welcomed an independent investigation but warned against using complaints processes to pursue internal political disputes. “When processes meant to protect victims are turned into weapons in preselection contests, everyone loses,” he wrote.