Inside Parliament: Senator Jordon Steele-John on Disability, Politics, and Representation

Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin to share what life is really like inside Parliament as a wheelchair user and one of the few disabled politicians in Australia. From rushing to Senate votes without extra time allowances to reshaping accessibility in politics, Jordon gives a candid and inspiring look at how inclusion, policy, and representation intersect in Australia’s most powerful building.

The conversation spans his journey from a 23-year-old Greens candidate from WA to a national advocate for accessibility, neurodiversity, and disability rights. Jordon opens up about moments of misunderstanding on the campaign trail, how his ADHD and cerebral palsy shape his leadership, and why true inclusion starts with “getting our own house in order.”

This episode is full of insight, humour, and practical advice for anyone—disabled or not—who wants to create change in their community.

Connect with Jordon:

• https://www.instagram.com/jordonsteelejohn/?hl=en
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-steele-john-656ba917a/

Key Topics

• Life as a Senator with disability

• Accessibility barriers in Parliament House

• Ableism in political systems

• How Parliament handles (or doesn’t handle) disability inclusion

• The power of lived experience in politics

• Jordon’s journey to the Senate at age 23

• Disability pride and representation

• ADHD, cerebral palsy, and leadership

• Advice for young people with disability wanting to enter politics

• Building collective action for change

Quotes

“If Parliament is going to make laws that fix accessibility in the community, we’ve got to literally get our own house in order first.” – Jordon Steele-John

“People thought I was collecting for charity, not running for office. That moment showed how deeply society equates disability with needing help, not giving leadership.” – Jordon Steele-John

“Politics should represent every voice—including people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. The system can and should be rebuilt to meet everyone’s access needs.” – Jordon Steele-John

About Jordon Steele-John

Jordon Steele-John is an Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia and the youngest person ever elected to the Australian Senate. A proud disabled man with cerebral palsy and ADHD, Jordon has been a leading advocate for disability rights, climate justice, and inclusive reform since 2017. His work includes helping establish the Disability Royal Commission and pushing for systemic accessibility across Australian institutions.

Jordon Steele-John, Dylan Alcott, Angus O’Loughlin, ListenABLE podcast, Australian Parliament accessibility, disability politics Australia, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Greens Senator WA, disability representation, ableism in politics, Disability Royal Commission, inclusion, accessibility reform, disabled leaders, advocacy Australia

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