‘Rigorous fact-finding’: Terms of probe into Greens Senator Jordan Steel-John revealed
An investigation into allegations levelled at Greens Senator Jordan Steel-John will report back December, with the Greens’ internal processes to be put under the microscope. Here are the terms of the probe.
An investigation into allegations levelled at Greens Senator Jordan Steel-John will undertake “rigorous fact-finding” of the claims, review internal processes of the party, and decide whether reforms need to be introduced.
The terms of reference, revealed this week, said investigators will also examine the emergence of the “crisis comms” document which was maintained by members to hide the claims about the Senator.
The party investigation is expected to report back December, with the Greens internal reporting processes expected to be put under the microscope.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Senator Steele-John remains on leave from the Greens party room and will not attend Federal Parliament while the misconduct allegations which emerged last month are examined.
Claims about the party’s disability spokesman’s “behaviour in the presence of women” over more than a decade were thrust into the public spotlight after several past and present members wrote to Greens leadership.
A Nine report revealing the letter was followed by the emergence of a secret 47-page crisis communications manual, which catalogued allegations against Senator Steele-John and outlined ways to shut down media coverage.
In the wake of the allegations, Senator Steele-John posted an extraordinary 2400-word statement on social media denying the claims and defending himself.
Greens leader David Shoebridge has denied knowing about either the letter or the document, and commissioned the WA branch to investigate the claims.
The terms of reference list four pillars to guide the investigation will also ensure accused individuals are treated fairly and have access to relevant information.
Independent investigators will base their reports off collated interviews with witnesses and members as well as a suite of evidence from official policies, internal documents and complaints, as well as all digital material such as screenshots, photos, videos, audio and SMS messages.
“The investigator may seek the expert opinion and analysis of forensic experts and consultants in assessing evidence,” it stated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the investigation is a workplace investigation for the purposes of fact-finding and recommendations,” the terms of reference states.
“It is not a disciplinary process, criminal investigation, or legal adjudication process, and no finding is to be expressed as a finding of criminal liability or civil liability.”
The scope also states that the independent investigator will examine whether the Senator’s conduct formed a “pattern” but that it “must not rely on unparticularised or untested assertions”.
It will also examine claims that the staff and Party members were given instructions to monitor the social media of members to ensure they were leaking details of the claims.
The terms of reference also explicitly listed what are out of scope and will be excluded.
It vowed to assess whether there has been a “culture of silence or cover-up was created, fostered, or facilitated” within the minor party.
It listed criminal matters or other formal legal claims, mediation or disciplinary outcomes.
The inquiry is expected to take six weeks to deliver an interim report and eight weeks to deliver its final report.
The party noted the timetable would run from the formal execution of the engagement contract and was not prescriptive, with potential delays depending on participant availability and other factors.
