One Nation has strongly denied reports that its Victorian state president, Warren Pickering, instructed a candidate to utilise a personal bank account for campaign finances, labelling the allegations as "false" during a press conference that descended into disarray. The right-wing party, which has experienced a notable surge in polling support in recent months, asserted that no personal bank account was employed but declined to address specific inquiries regarding whether such advice was ever proffered.
Chaotic Press Conference in Victoria
Party leader Pauline Hanson conducted a press conference on Saturday alongside Nepean candidate Darren Hercus, ahead of the 2 May byelection for the Mornington Peninsula seat. This byelection was initiated following Sam Groth's resignation, which stemmed from a defamation dispute and internal conflicts within the Victorian Liberal party. According to reports from Nine newspapers, two former members of Hanson's party expressed concerns about the alleged advice to channel campaign donations through a personal bank account, with both individuals subsequently resigning from the party over the management of these donations.
Electoral Law Changes and Financial Scrutiny
Under Victoria's electoral regulations at the time, all political donations were mandated to be deposited into an account registered with the electoral commission. However, in a significant development on Wednesday, the high court abolished these laws, eliminating crucial safeguards prior to the state's November election. The government has committed to introducing new legislation to ensure accountability, with assurances that these laws will be applied retrospectively.
When questioned about the alleged advice during the press conference, Hercus responded that the matter was "in the hands of the lawyers at the moment," adding, "I'm not going to comment." He later disclosed that he was funding his campaign using his personal credit card. Hanson countered by stating these were "false allegations," emphasising that there was "no separate bank account," only an "account that was set up purely for the campaign." She attributed the claims to "disgruntled former members of the party" who had "no involvement in it at all," and threatened legal action against those making the allegations, while confirming that the electoral commission would audit the accounts.
Financial Transparency and Policy Discussions
Hanson was further pressed on whether Pickering had initially given the advice, to which Pickering, speaking from the sidelines, indicated that the state executive would have provided "rational, logical advice." Hercus admitted to having no visibility over the finances, and Hanson explained that candidates "really are not across" the finances due to their complexity. As the questioning persisted, Hanson expressed reluctance to "keep going on this" and shifted focus to discussing the replacement of the Rosebud hospital, where the press conference was held. However, when pressed for details, she stated she wouldn't "make policy on the run" but affirmed the hospital's need for replacement.
Hercus was queried about his proposal to redevelop the hospital through a public-private partnership, which he claimed would save taxpayers $340 million. When asked to elaborate on the mechanics, he conceded, "I don't know the numbers that great." The press conference began tumultuously when a member of the public interjected, "Pauline, why don't you go back to where you came from?" Upon challenge, the individual clarified he was referring to Queensland. A brief physical altercation ensued between the man and Pickering, who attempted to block him from the event. Hanson delayed the start as the confrontation continued, later describing the man as "ill informed" for suggesting One Nation intended to cancel the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Donation Sources and Financial Oversight
Under its "slash government waste" policy, One Nation proposes to "review $3bn worth of medications approved for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) during the pandemic." When questioned about the scrapping of Victoria's political donation laws, Hanson asserted that the party's donations originate from "ordinary mums and dads," contrasting with other political parties that receive "big donations by corporations or from unions." However, One Nation MP and former Nationals deputy leader Barnaby Joyce has acknowledged that Australia's wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart, is a "substantial supporter" of the party, with Hanson having utilised Rinehart's private plane on multiple occasions.
One Nation is facing increasing scrutiny over its expenditure of millions in taxpayer dollars. In a recent investigation, former candidates revealed to Guardian Australia that they had not yet received their share of the over $6 million the party accrued following the 2025 federal election. While One Nation did not respond to inquiries for that story, it has previously stated that the party's "national and state finances were regularly audited by chartered accountants, and the NSW and Australian electoral commissions."
