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A former partner of Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John has been charged with aggravated stalking and demanding property by written threats, commonly described as extortion. Separately, an independent workplace investigation is examining misconduct allegations against the senator, which he denies.
What connection has been reported between these matters, and what remains unproven?
In this episode, we explain the criminal charges, the WA Greens’ investigation and why neither process should be prejudged. The woman appeared in Perth Magistrates Court and received conditional bail. Her identity has been suppressed, and the charges have not been proven.
The Australian has reported that the accused woman also made a sexual-assault allegation against Steele-John. That reported connection does not establish the truth or falsity of either person’s allegations. Charges against a complainant do not automatically invalidate their complaint, and allegations against a senator do not establish misconduct.
Steele-John denies wrongdoing and has accused an internal Greens faction of weaponising rumours against him. The WA Greens have commissioned Perth law firm Modern Legal to conduct an independent workplace investigation into the allegations and the party’s handling of them, including an internal crisis-communications document.
We unpack the distinction between a criminal prosecution and a workplace investigation, the importance of testing evidence, and why describing every allegation as hearsay would go beyond what the available reporting establishes.
With measured humour about political commentary and social media verdicts, this episode examines accountability, procedural fairness and the need to let investigators and courts do their work.
How should political parties investigate complaints while ensuring fairness for everyone involved? Share your views respectfully, without identifying protected individuals or posting unverified allegations.
Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based author, journalist, teacher, business consultant and social justice campaigner. He is the General Manager of the Australian Book and Language Studio.
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