Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce have publicly backed One Nation's Victorian leader Warren Pickering after his former partner accused him of a secret history of illicit drug use and other misconduct during their 18-year relationship. Pickering, who is standing for the Victorian upper house, has strongly denied the claims, calling them false and hurtful, but the controversy has raised questions about whether One Nation was aware of the allegations before appointing him to a leadership position.

The allegations, published by The Australian and made by Pickering's ex-partner Jo Scott, 54, reportedly include claims of methamphetamine use and were said to be supported by handwritten letters and text messages referencing drug use, largely dating from 2006 to 2012. When questioned in Canberra, Hanson repeatedly declined to elaborate, describing the matter as personal and family-related, while Joyce urged caution, stressing the claims were contested and unproven and noting Pickering had since served in the Australian Defence Force. Pickering has rejected the allegations outright and accused Scott of previously making similar claims during family law disputes dating back to 2010.