One Nation candidate vetting questioned after leader's drug admissions
One Nation's candidate selection lacks face-to-face interviews, raising vetting concerns.
Warren Pickering, One Nation's Victorian leader, this week admitted to using speed, ecstasy and marijuana in his 20s, as well as infidelity and losing his driving licence three times for drink-driving.
Such admissions raised questions about how the party checks candidates. The Australian had reported on his past.
Robert Stuckey ran for One Nation in Greenway at the 2025 federal election. Stuckey told ABC's 7.30 that his selection involved only an online interview.
Stuckey also had a phone call with leader Pauline Hanson. No face-to-face meetings happened until after he was selected.
Stuckey said he expected candidates for senior roles to have in-person interviews. Such interviews would allow proper assessment.
Stuckey questioned whether submitted paperwork was actually checked. One Nation has supported Pickering as the party's popularity grows.
Victoria has an election in November.
- Speed, ecstasy, marijuana
- Drugs Pickering admitted to
- Three times
- Drink-driving convictions
- Greenway, 2025
- Stuckey's election
- November
- Victoria election timing
Why it mattersWeak candidate vetting can allow unsuitable people into parliament, undermining public trust in the party and government decision-making.
AustraliaAustralian voters considering One Nation in Victoria's election now have evidence the party's selection process may be less rigorous than candidates for other major parties.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
