Warren Pickering, the leader of One Nation in Victoria, has acknowledged past illegal drug use and multiple drink-driving offenses, while denying allegations that he smoked crystal meth, commonly referred to as ice, in front of children. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Pickering admitted to using substances such as ecstasy, methamphetamines, speed, and marijuana during his twenties but rejected claims published by a national newspaper that he used ice around his family.

“I’m no angel,” Pickering said, reflecting on his youth. “I did use them … as a young man and I’m not proud of that.” When directly asked if he had used ice, he responded, “No, I did not.” Pressed further on the distinction between methamphetamines and ice, Pickering suggested a lack of familiarity with drug terminology, stating, “Ice is not on that list” and appearing to equate ice with speed instead.

In addition to his drug use admissions, Pickering confirmed he lost his driver’s licence three times due to drink-driving offenses. He explained that the first two occurred when he was 18 and 20 years old, with a third low-level offense about a decade later. He said these past behaviors “hurt people I loved, and I will live with that forever.”

Pickering emphasized that he has since made significant changes to his life, motivated by his responsibilities to his daughter and three stepsons. He reported having stopped using drugs and joining the Australian Defence Force, which he credited with giving him a renewed sense of purpose. “That’s what inspired me to engage in the political sphere to provide service to community in a different way, post-service,” he added.

Accompanying Pickering at the event were One Nation’s national director James Ashby, as well as Pickering’s daughter and stepson. Ashby addressed a handwritten note from Pickering, published earlier by the newspaper, that referred to “sexual deviance.” Ashby said this was related to “behaviour that involved the couple’s open relationship,” explaining that Pickering and his former partner had opened their relationship to a third party while Pickering was exploring his sexuality.

Pickering also said he was consulting lawyers regarding potential defamation claims and was “working with the lawyers” to have the contested stories removed. The conference took place at Crown Casino, where journalists from the national newspaper were permitted to attend. However, reporters from other outlets, including Guardian Australia and the ABC, were asked to leave after disclosing their affiliations.