Pauline Hanson Defends One Nation Candidate After Historic Drug Admissions

Victorian One Nation candidate Warren Pickering, contesting the marginal seat of Pakenham in the upcoming state election, publicly acknowledged that he used speed, amphetamines, ecstasy and marijuana and that he lost his driver’s licence three times for drink-driving during his twenties. The admission followed claims by his former partner, Jo Scott, published in *The Australian*. Pickering initially denied the allegations, then addressed the media with his daughter and stepson, describing himself as a “casual drug user” rather than an addict.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The revelations arrived amid a broader discussion of past drug use among Victorian politicians. Treasurer Colin Brooks, Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, and Legalise Cannabis MPs David Ettershank and Rachel Payne have each spoken about experimenting with marijuana in their twenties. Hanson framed the issue as a systemic one, questioning whether any Australian has never tried a drug.

The Sydney Morning Herald

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson described Pickering as “a man of conviction” and emphasized “redemption,” noting that he was protecting his children and ex-partner. She criticized media focus on personal histories, arguing that similar scrutiny is not applied uniformly to other parliamentarians.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “Who in this country possibly has not tried drugs?” — Pauline Hanson

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “This is actually a personal matter, and he was trying to protect the children and his ex-partner,” — Pauline Hanson

The Sydney Morning Herald