One Nation rolls out Victorian candidates with underworld links and health
One Nation filled 51 seats in Victoria's lower house with candidates linked to underworld figures and false health claims.
One Nation is running Victorian state election candidates with controversial backgrounds. The Guardian reviewed documents showing this.
Michael Piastrino is campaigning for Berwick. He held his launch with attendees including Malaki Salesui.
Salesui was convicted in 2021 for his role in an organized car-theft ring. Mick Mantzaris pleaded guilty in 2012 to possessing testosterone.
He also admitted to sharing restricted information and misleading the office of police integrity. He later commented 'great day great people' on Piastrino's Instagram posts.
Anthony Younan is the nephew of Nabil Maghnie, a slain underworld figure. Younan said he would vote One Nation because of Piastrino.
Among other candidates is a naturopath who endorsed Donald Trump's false claim linking paracetamol to autism. Ben Lucas is the candidate for Narracan.
He was convicted of drink-driving in 2021 and resigned from Baw Baw shire council. One Nation says it has strengthened vetting with background checks and social media screening.
- 51 of 88 lower house seats
- Candidates nominated
- 4.7% for Berwick
- Target seat margin
- 2021, organised car-theft ring
- Salesui conviction year
- 2012, testosterone possession
- Mantzaris guilty plea year
Why it mattersThe candidates running for office shape what policies get proposed and debated in parliament. Their backgrounds raise questions about One Nation's screening processes.
AustraliaVictorian voters choosing between candidates should know the backgrounds of those on the ballot in November's state election.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
