NDIS Estimates Proceed Without Key Spokesperson as Party Deadlock Continues

The National Disability Insurance Scheme inquiry will proceed this week without its primary political overseer, creating a notable gap in oversight during a period of major regulatory change. Senator Jordon Steele-John, the Greens’ disability spokesperson, has confirmed his absence from Senate estimates, a decision that underscores the internal friction now gripping the party.

Steele-John is widely respected within the disability community, a position that gives his voice weight as the NDI undergoes substantial modifications before the end of the decade. His absence means the scheme’s upcoming changes will be scrutinized without the direct input of the senator tasked with monitoring its implementation for the Greens.

The conflict stems from allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women reported by The Nine newspapers earlier this month. A three-page letter sent to new party leader David Shoebridge detailed secondhand claims regarding the Western Australian senator’s conduct between 2017 and 2025. Shoebridge initially stated that Steele-John would take leave pending an independent investigation, a move consistent with the party’s stated commitment to handling such matters fairly.

The arrangement quickly unraveled. Steele-John rejected the allegations and denied agreeing to take leave, accusing a faction within the Western Australian Greens of playing "nasty political games" by releasing the letter to the media. He stated that he spoke out to prevent his silence from being interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Shoebridge maintains that an agreement was reached but acknowledges he cannot unilaterally compel the senator to step aside. Forcing compliance requires a secret ballot in which two-thirds of the party room, specifically more than seven members, vote to expel him. This threshold makes the process difficult, and a failed vote would leave Steele-John’s standing damaged even if the independent inquiry clears him.

In a statement issued late Friday, Steele-John explained that he explored participating digitally but was "informed that would also be unacceptable." He said he will now focus on the independent and timely investigation he hopes the Greens WA will commence soon.

The dispute places immediate pressure on Shoebridge’s leadership. The Greens rely on consensus decision-making, meaning any push for expulsion requires broad support within the party room. The outcome will define how the new leader handles internal conflict and will likely determine the trajectory of the party’s relationship with one of its longest-serving senators.