Disability voice missing as NDIS scrutiny begins

Jordon Steele-John, the Greens spokesperson for disability, will not attend the Senate estimates session scheduled for this week. The absence leaves the party without its primary advocate for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) at a time when officials will answer questions about major policy changes slated for completion by the end of the decade. Steele-John issued a statement late Friday confirming he would skip the hearings. He explained that he explored joining via digital means but was told that arrangement would also be unacceptable. Instead, he plans to focus on the independent investigation into his conduct that the Western Australian Greens are expected to launch.

The dispute over Steele-John's status has persisted for more than a week. In early October, the Nine newspapers reported that a three-page letter had been sent to party leader David Shoebridge. The letter called for an independent probe into secondhand allegations that the Western Australian senator acted inappropriately toward women between 2017 and 2025. Shoebridge announced that the 32-year-old senator would take leave while the probe examined the claims. That decision quickly became contentious.

Steele-John rejected the allegations and denied agreeing to step aside. He accused an internal faction of the WA Greens of playing nasty political games by releasing the letter to media. He stated that he spoke publicly to prevent his silence from being interpreted as guilt. Shoebridge maintains that the senator agreed to the leave, but he acknowledges he cannot force the issue alone. A secret ballot in which more than seven party members vote to expel Steele-John would be required to compel him to sit out.

The timing of the absence is politically sensitive for the Greens. Steele-John is well liked within the disability community, and the NDIS is a central pillar of the party's platform. Supporters inside and outside the party have expressed concern that a federal member facing misconduct claims continues public duties. No complainant has come forward directly, but the allegations have fueled debate about how the party handles such matters. The situation also complicates the leadership of Shoebridge, who relies on consensus to make decisions. His handling of the dispute may shape the dynamic between the party room and the senator for the remainder of his term.

The Senate estimates hearing is set to proceed without the disability spokesperson. Officials will field questions from other senators regarding the direction of the NDIS. The independent investigation into Steele-John's conduct is expected to begin soon. The outcome of that probe, and any subsequent party vote on his standing, will determine whether he returns to his public role or steps back further.