Source : Perth Now news
The leader of One Nation in Victoria has hosed down reports a former partner contacted police with allegations he physically abused her.
Warren Pickering refused to engage with questions from journalists over the allegations as he fronted media for the first time in weeks, calling it a “political hatchet job”.
The Australian newspaper reported on Monday Mr Pickering had refused to participate in an interview with police regarding the allegations by his former partner, Jo Scott.
Ms Scott approached Queensland police with reports Mr Pickering had physically abused her during their 18-year relationship and he was subsequently contacted by Victorian Police requesting an interview, the Australian reported.
Asked on Tuesday if he had declined to be interviewed by police Mr Pickering said he wouldn’t waste time and police resources defending against false allegations.
“I’m not going to entertain false allegations – I’m simply not,” he told reporters.
“I would ask anybody that has suffered personal grievances to bring their grievances forward to police.
“However, I am not going to waste my time or … police resources’ time to respond to false allegations on what is obviously a political hatchet job.
“This is the most consequential election in Victorian history, we have a job to do, we intend to get on with that job.”
When asked what she thought of the allegations, Liberal leader Jess Wilson said it was a matter for Mr Pickering but that all Victorians should comply with Victorian Police.
Liberal MP Danny O’Brien was more critical of Mr Pickering saying someone aspiring to be Premier of Victoria should be cooperating with police.
“When you’re running for high office, you are held to a higher standard,” Mr O’Brien told media on Tuesday.
“Can you imagine, if the leader of the Labor Party in Victoria or the leader of the Liberal Party or the leader of the National Party refused to cooperate with police over an investigation?
“I think that would certainly be condemned, and quite rightly.”
Mr Pickering, who is standing for the lower house seat of Pakenham, was previously forced to answer for his behaviour during his relationship with Ms Scott, after she aired allegations the pair had used illicit drugs together.
After initially denying the allegations, Mr Pickering came clean about having used drugs in his younger years prior to joining the Australian Army.
Mr Pickering admitted in September to having taken speed, ecstasy and marijuana in his 20s and losing his licence three times for “low level” drink driving at age 18, 20 and about a decade later.
One Nation federal leader Senator Pauline Hanson backed Mr Pickering following the admission, describing it as a story of personal redemption.
“Warren does not deny the mistakes he made as a young man,” she said.
