Pauline Hanson defends One Nation leader Warren Pickering

One Nation founder Pauline Hanson has expressed support for Victorian party leader Warren Pickering following allegations of past heavy drug use. The claims were made by Pickering’s former partner of nearly 20 years, Jo Scott, who alleged the use of marijuana and amphetamines, including crystal meth, in their shared home.

Pickering has denied the allegations. Hanson described the matter as a “personal situation” and stated she is comfortable with him leading the party at a state level. Senator Barnaby Joyce also defended Pickering, noting that the alleged incidents occurred approximately 20 years ago and that Pickering successfully passed security vetting during his subsequent service in the Australian Army.

Pickering, a former combat engineer and self-described conspiracy theorist, is currently standing for the seat of Pakenham in the upcoming November state election.