Pauline Hanson has publicly backed One Nation's Victorian leader, Warren Pickering, following allegations of a past involving illicit drug use and "sexual deviance." Pickering has vehemently denied the claims, which were made by his former partner, Jo Scott.
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Hanson stated that the matter is a "personal matter" and that she stands by Pickering. When questioned about whether Pickering had disclosed past drug use during the party's vetting process, Hanson declined to comment further, reiterating that it was a private issue.
Hanson emphasized that Pickering denies the allegations and that the story presented by The Australian is "contested." She asserted that she would not be commenting further on the matter.
Barnaby Joyce, who was present with Hanson, urged caution in accepting the allegations as fact. "That issue is contested. Let's first of all say it's contested," he said. Joyce also pointed out that Pickering served in the Australian Defence Force after the period in question, suggesting his character was demonstrated through subsequent service.
The allegations, primarily concerning events more than a decade ago, were detailed in a report by The Australian. The report cited handwritten letters and text messages allegedly from Pickering that referenced his use of substances and apologized for his behavior. The paper also reported claims from a former acquaintance who alleged witnessing Pickering smoking methamphetamine on multiple occasions between 2006 and 2010.
Pickering issued a written statement rejecting the allegations as "false" and "extremely hurtful." He also claimed that Scott had attempted to use similar allegations during family law disputes dating back to 2010, which he stated were dismissed. However, reports indicate that Pickering declined to answer specific questions from The Australian regarding the alleged drug use and admissions in the correspondence.
Pickering is currently the Victorian leader for One Nation and is seeking a position in the state's upper house.