Victorian One Nation leader Warren Pickering admits to past drug use
Victorian One Nation leader Warren Pickering has publicly admitted to a history of using illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, speed, ecstasy, and marijuana. The admission followed reports published in The Australian newspaper.
First reported 1 week ago · latest update 6 days agoOne Nation's Victorian leader Warren Pickering has admitted to a history of drug use following a series of reports in The Australian newspaper.
Warren Pickering addressed reporters on Tuesday afternoon after his former partner told the national newspaper they used illicit drugs while they were together.
The father-of-four said he made mistakes when he was in his 20s and used drugs including speed, ecstasy and marijuana.
"Never would I have ever said that I was somebody that was a drug addict," Mr Pickering said.
"I did use them as a young man and I'm not proud of that.
He said he stopped using drugs before joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at the age of 28 and did disclose his previous drug use when he applied.
Mr Pickering said he stopped using illicit drugs before he joined the force.
The 43-year-old said he was most regretful about his failure to provide the best environment for his children to thrive in.
"The mistakes I made in my 20s hurt people. They hurt me, they hurt people I loved and I will live with that forever," he said.
"I always wish for these kids that I was able to do better. I did the best that I could with what I had to work with at the time."
Mr Pickering also admitted to losing his licence for drink driving when he was 18 and 20, before losing his licence again a decade later.
He said he had never been to prison.
Mr Pickering said One Nation was supporting him and he had engaged lawyers in relation to the reports.
Speaking to reporter before Mr Pickering spoke, One Nation chief of staff James Ashby also addressed a handwritten note and an alleged issue with a home buying grant accessed by Mr Pickering that were detailed in the newspaper.
Mr Ashby said Mr Pickering was willing to "own" an issue with the grant and had been unaware of it until it was raised by the newspaper.
One Nation removed representatives from the ABC and The Guardian from the press conference venue before the event got underway.
Mr Pickering was announced as One Nation's Victorian leader last month and will stand for election in the seat of Pakenham in November.
Senator Hanson yesterday said that she stood by Mr Pickering.
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One Nation Victorian leader Warren Pickering admits to previous drug use
One Nation's Victorian leader Warren Pickering has admitted to a history of drug use following a series of reports in The Australian newspaper.
1 week agoOne Nation state leader admits to drug use
Victoria's One Nation leader Warren Pickering has admitted to previous drug use, including speed, amphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.
1 week agoOne Nation’s Warren Pickering admits to illegal drug use and says he is ‘no angel’ in extraordinary press conference
Victorian One Nation leader tells media he has used methamphetamine, speed and marijuana Victorian One Nation leader, Warren Pickering, has admitted he “made mistakes” in his 20s, including using ecstasy, methamphetamines and marijuana, losing his license multiple times for drink driving and hurting people he loved.But he has denied claims by his ex-partner, published by The Australian, that he smoked ice in front of children and said he was considering legal action against the publication at a press conference on Tuesday. Guardian Australia and the ABC were barred from attending the press co…
6 days ago · Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondentOne Nation Victoria leader admits to drug use, drink-driving.
One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering has acknowledged he used illicit drugs including methamphetamines but says has not done so for at least 16 years and had previously disclosed that history to the party.
6 days ago · Patrick Hatch, Clay Lucas, Angelica SnowdenOne Nation state leader admits to drug use
Victoria's One Nation leader Warren Pickering has admitted to previous drug use, including speed, amphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.
1 week agoOne Nation Victoria leader admits to drug use, drink-driving.
One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering has acknowledged he used illicit drugs including methamphetamines but says has not done so for at least 16 years and had previously disclosed that history to the party.
6 days ago · Patrick Hatch, Clay Lucas, Angelica Snowden