'Allegations of allegations': Greens senator speaks out

Key points

• Greens senator Jordon Steele-John is taking leave from parliament while an independent investigation into several allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward women is commenced. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
• In a statement, he said he would not return next week and criticised the allegations against him as allegations of allegations. He said he would have withdrawn immediately had a complaint been made against him.
• Party leader David Shoebridge said Steele-John had agreed to take leave, which Steele-John disputed. Steele-John has claimed factionalism is at play.