One Nation Victorian leader Warren Pickering admits he used illegal drugs in the past, following reports and allegations published in The Australian. In a press conference on Tuesday, Pickering says he made mistakes in his 20s and that his drug use included substances such as ecstasy, methamphetamines (including speed), and marijuana.
Multiple outlets report Pickering also addressed other claims, including allegations made by an ex-partner. The Guardian reports he denies claims that he smoked ice, or crystal meth, in front of children and says he is considering legal action against The Australian. ABC Australia and others describe the admission as coming after a series of reports, while The Guardian and the Daily Mail add further detail about his comments and personal matters.
Across the coverage, the core point is consistent: Pickering publicly acknowledges past drug use. The differences mainly concern the specific allegations he responds to—particularly the ice claim—and the extent of additional personal details reported by some outlets.
