One Nation candidates for the upcoming Victorian state election are attracting significant scrutiny. The party has put forward a stream of hopefuls with controversial backgrounds. These include individuals linked to alleged underworld figures, a naturopath promoting unproven health theories, and a former local councillor with a record of drink-driving offenses.
The party has now filled 51 of 88 lower house positions. Pauline Hanson previously announced her upper house candidates and Victorian leader Warren Pickering last month. Candidate announcements have largely been made via social media.
Michael Piastrino, a hairdresser, is campaigning for the outer-suburban seat of Berwick. His campaign launch on Sunday saw the attendance of Malaki Salesui. Salesui was convicted in 2021 for his involvement in an organised car-theft ring. Additionally, Mick Mantzaris commented positively on social media photos of the event. Mantzaris pleaded guilty in 2012 to possessing testosterone and misleading police integrity. Police once described him as an “associate of some outlaw motorcycle gang members.”
Anthony Younan, nephew of a slain underworld figure, also posted support for Piastrino. He stated he would vote for One Nation specifically because of Piastrino. Piastrino himself previously ran for the Liberals in 2022. During that campaign, he apologised for claiming a Liberal government would prosecute Daniel Andrews for “murder.” Last month, Piastrino told local media he met Mantzaris and Salesui through church, stating, “I’m not here to judge people; I’m here to help people.”
Party sources indicated One Nation has tightened its candidate vetting process. This involves more rigorous background checks and comprehensive interviews. Kelvin Morton, the party’s general manager, said they use technology for a “deep dive” into social media. This technology provides a “thorough assessment” of character.
By contrast, One Nation has shown a willingness to accept candidates with problematic histories. Warren Pickering, the party’s Victorian leader, recently acknowledged past drug use and drink-driving. Ben Lucas, running for Narracan, also resigned from Baw Baw shire council in 2021. This followed his conviction for drink-driving and dangerous driving, resulting in a $2,000 fine and a two-year licence suspension. This month, Lucas pleaded guilty to operating an unregistered aquatic facility. He received a $3,000 fine for the ice baths at his gym. Lucas described these charges on Facebook as an “administrative oversight” and a “storm in a teacup.”
Meanwhile, several One Nation candidates have removed social media content since announcing their candidacies. Elita Dabrowski, a naturopath contesting Sunbury, had previously backed Donald Trump’s unverified claim. She suggested paracetamol use is linked to autism. She had written this reflected her daily clinic observations, despite scientific disputes of such claims.
Tammy Lindrum, candidate for Albert Park, made controversial remarks on Threads. In April, she posted about “Black and Muslim supremacy in Australia.” She also asserted “the Whitman [sic] can’t say anything as they risk being accused of being racist.” Later, she wrote, “If you don’t like Bacon go back to a Muslim country.” Regarding plans for a permanent First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, she questioned, “For a minority group I think we are going a little too far.” She added, “We have paid their housing, welfare, education, health, for many years. When does that stop?”
Another recently announced candidate, Bruce Whalley, sparked controversy with a 2019 tweet. He blamed children for the climate crisis, urging them to walk or ride bikes. Whalley, who is contesting Bundoora, also identifies as an “ABC2 TV Think Tank tragic” on Instagram. This is despite One Nation’s policy to defund the public broadcaster and ban its journalists from party events. Therefore, the party continues to face questions regarding its candidate selection.
