Warren Pickering, recently appointed as the leader of One Nation in Victoria for the upcoming November state election, is facing scrutiny over past statements that appear to contradict federal party policy. In unearthed podcast interviews, Pickering stated that the mass deportation of 75,000 visa overstayers—a core policy platform championed by federal leader Pauline Hanson—is 'not a reality' and 'won’t happen.'

Beyond the deportation issue, Pickering’s past comments have also brought attention to the party's electoral tactics. He reportedly conceded that One Nation has utilized 'ghost candidates' in previous elections. These candidates were allegedly placed on ballots without the intention of actively campaigning, serving instead as a strategic mechanism to harvest additional Senate votes for the party.

The Guardian reports these findings as a significant point of internal friction, noting that Pickering’s skepticism regarding the federal party's signature policy creates a disconnect between state leadership and Pauline Hanson’s national agenda. While the federal party has not yet issued a formal response to these specific revelations, the comments have raised questions regarding the consistency and transparency of the party's platform as it prepares for the Victorian state election.