One Nation’s Victorian election campaign is heating up with a lineup of polarizing candidates, from a former Liberal hairdresser linked to underworld figures to a naturopath peddling dubious health claims and a disgraced ex-councilman with a DUI record. Michael Piastrino’s Berwick launch drew controversial attendees, including car thieves and outlaw biker associates, while Mick Mantzaris and Anthony Younan—nephew of a known criminal—endorsed him online. Piastrino insists he’s there to help, not judge, despite past gaffes and ties to fringe groups. Meanwhile, Ben Lucas resigned after his drink-driving conviction and questioned the scrutiny he faced, blaming it on his One Nation affiliation. Elita Dabrowski deleted posts backing Trump’s paracetamol-autism hoax and made inflammatory remarks about racial and religious groups. Bruce Whalley, who blamed kids for climate change, also aligns with a TV network One Nation seeks to defund—all while the party tightens its vetting process amid mounting controversy.
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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/19/one-nation-victorian-election-candidates-michael-piastrino-elita-dabrowski-ben-lucas-ntwnfb
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