One Nation state leader admits to drug use

Warren Pickering, the Victorian leader of One Nation, has acknowledged using illicit drugs in his 20s, including methamphetamines, ecstasy, and marijuana. According to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, he stated that he has not used these substances for at least 16 years and had previously disclosed this history to his party.

Pickering also admitted to making mistakes, including losing his license multiple times for drink driving, and hurting people he loved. The Guardian Australia reported that he expressed regret for his actions, saying they "hurt people I loved, and I will live with that forever".

Pickering denied claims made by his ex-partner, published by The Australian, that he smoked crystal meth in front of children. He also stated that he was considering taking legal action against The Australian. A press conference was held, but The Guardian Australia and the ABC were not allowed to attend.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Guardian, The Guardian Australia — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.