We may not agree about the politics of One Nation’s Victorian state election nominee Warren Pickering. However, from the perspective of an observation of the media response to his drug history it’s extremely concerning to witness the public humiliation Pickering has been subjected to over the past few days. The Murdoch press, via The Australian newspaper, has, in its customary way, opened the old wounds of Pickering’s private life for judgement and condemnation. Pickering did not shy away from his history of illicit drug use and drink driving convictions. His sex life was also laid bare.
The question many might ask however, is to what extent should a person be judged for past misdeeds? And why is a history of illicit drug use continually raised to cast doubts about a person’s ability, or suitability, to take up public office? Current public surveys indicate that 41% of the Australian population has ever tried cannabis. Translate that to the over 700 state and federal politicians in Australia and that equates to the likelihood that nearly 300 would have tried cannabis at some stage. Few will admit it however, as a perceived ‘chequered past’ is a sure way to put an end to a promising career. I’m sure many contemplate their misdemeanours over a glass of wine paid via the public purse while musing about how to put a stop to any drug law reform efforts. Certainly in Pickering’s case, his behaviour as a young person could not be described as ‘exemplary’, far from it. However, rather than vilifying individuals such as Pickering for their past drug use, it’s about time the media paid more attention to the hypocracy and double standards of their own drug use that many politicians live with.
NOTE: Harm Reduction Australia is not aligned to nor does it receive any political funding. However we do support political parties that promote evidence based and humane drug policy positions.
Q. If Pickering is elected to the Victorian state legislature, which is likely, what will the drug policy platform of One Nation look like?
Author: Greg Denham