Key facts
- One Nation has unveiled several candidates for the Victorian state election with controversial backgrounds.
- Michael Piastrino, a candidate for Berwick, was attended by Malaki Salesui, convicted in an organised car-theft ring, and Mick Mantzaris, described as an associate of outlaw motorcycle gang members.
- Anthony Younan, nephew of slain underworld figure Nabil Maghnie, commented on Piastrino's posts, stating he would vote for One Nation.
- Ben Lucas, candidate for Narracan, was convicted of drink-driving and dangerous driving in 2021.
- Elita Dabrowski, candidate for Sunbury, backed Donald Trump's unfounded claim linking paracetamol to autism.
- Tammy Lindrum, candidate for Albert Park, made comments on social media suggesting 'Black and Muslim supremacy' in Australia and questioning support for First Nations people.
One Nation is facing scrutiny over the backgrounds of several candidates selected for the upcoming Victorian state election. Among those unveiled are individuals with alleged ties to underworld figures, controversial social media posts, and endorsements of unfounded health claims.
Michael Piastrino, running for the outer-suburban seat of Berwick, launched his campaign with attendees including Malaki Salesui, convicted in 2021 for his role in an organised car-theft ring, and Mick Mantzaris, described by police as an associate of outlaw motorcycle gang members. Anthony Younan, nephew of slain underworld figure Nabil Maghnie, commented on Piastrino's social media posts, stating he would vote for One Nation because of him.
Piastrino, a hairdresser who previously ran for the Liberals, told Cranbourne Star News he met Mantzaris and Salesui through church and is 'not here to judge people'.
One Nation's candidate for Narracan, Ben Lucas, resigned from Baw Baw shire council in 2021 after being convicted of drink-driving and dangerous driving, which resulted in a $2,000 fine and a two-year licence suspension. This month, he pleaded guilty to operating an unregistered aquatic facility, incurring $3,000 in costs. Lucas described the charges related to his gym's ice baths as a 'storm in a teacup'.
Elita Dabrowski, contesting Sunbury, has deleted social media posts, including one from September 23, 2025, where she backed Donald Trump's claim that paracetamol is linked to autism, stating it reflected her observations as a naturopath. Tammy Lindrum, candidate for Albert Park, has made comments on Meta's Threads suggesting 'Black and Muslim supremacy' in Australia and questioning the extent of support for First Nations people.
Bruce Whalley, running in the Labor-held seat of Bundoora, tweeted during the 2019 student climate strikes that 'Climate change is the fault of kids' and described himself on Instagram as an 'ABC2 TV Think Tank tragic', despite One Nation's policy to defund the broadcaster.