The Victorian One Nation leader, Warren Pickering, has admitted to “making mistakes” during his 20s, including the use of ecstasy, methamphetamines, and marijuana, as well as losing his driver’s license multiple times for drink-driving and hurting loved ones.
He denied claims by his ex-partner, published by The Australian, that he smoked ice in front of children, and stated he is considering legal action against the publication. Guardian Australia and the ABC were barred from the press conference. Accompanied by national director James Ashby, his daughter, and stepson, Pickering said he was “no angel” as a young man and used illegal drugs in his 20s.
“Never would I have ever said that I was somebody who was a drug addict. I did use them … as a young man and I’m not proud of that,” Pickering said. He listed ecstasy, methamphetamine, speed, and marijuana, but denied using ice while his children were home. When asked directly, he replied, “No, I did not.” Pressed further, he stated, “ice is not on that list,” and when told methamphetamines are ice, he said, “Well, speed,” adding, “Look, guys, I’m clearly not as familiar with the terms … as you would like me to be. I wasn’t an experienced drug taker.”
Pickering confirmed he lost his driver’s license three times for drink-driving—at ages 18 and 20, and again roughly a decade later, which he described as low-level offenses.
Pickering said his actions “hurt people I loved, and I will live with that forever.” However, he claimed he has “changed his life dramatically” for the sake of his daughter and three stepsons, stopped using drugs, and joined the Australian Defence Force, which gave him a sense of purpose. “That’s what inspired me to engage in the political sphere to provide service to community in a different way, post-service,” he said.
Ashby addressed a handwritten note published by The Australian referencing “sexual deviance,” explaining it related to “behaviour that involved the couple’s open relationship” and Pickering exploring his own sexuality.
Pickering stated he is “working with the lawyers” to have the stories removed and is receiving advice on possible defamation action. While reporters from The Australian attended the press conference at Crown Casino, reporters from Guardian Australia and the ABC were asked to leave after identifying their outlets.
