Story perspectives

Warren Pickering admits past drug use on Defence application

9/9/2026

Summary

Pickering Admits Drug Use

Warren Pickering admitted using speed, ecstasy, amphetamines and marijuana in his 20s.
He stopped drugs before joining the Defence Force at age 28 and disclosed it on his application.
James Ashby said Pickering was unaware of a home-buying grant issue until a newspaper reported it.
Pauline Hanson said she stands by Pickering, calling the claims a personal family matter.

Summary

Nicholson Announces Platform

One Nation leadership barred ABC, The Guardian and The Age journalists from a conference.
Upper-house candidate Mark Nicholson announced a crime platform with the toughest drug laws.
Nicholson said the party would use therapeutic jurisprudence to stop people like Pickering committing crimes.
One Nation polls at 23% primary support in Victoria, suggesting possible parliamentary seats.
Partner Jo Scott alleges Pickering’s sexual deviance since 2010, citing apologies referencing 70s rock stars.

History

Historical Context

Australia’s drug policy shifted from early 20th-century opium bans to the 1984 National Campaign Against Drug Abuse under Prime Minister Bob Hawke, which first funded a federal prevention effort and introduced harm-minimisation. One Nation’s Mark Nicholson invokes that legacy while demanding tougher penalties for former recruit Warren Pickering, and the government now spends about A$1.7 billion annually on drug response.

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Pickering Admits Drug Use

Warren Pickering admitted using speed, ecstasy, amphetamines and marijuana in his 20s.
He stopped drugs before joining the Defence Force at age 28 and disclosed it on his application.
James Ashby said Pickering was unaware of a home-buying grant issue until a newspaper reported it.
Pauline Hanson said she stands by Pickering, calling the claims a personal family matter.

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