One Nation’s newly appointed Victorian leader, Warren Pickering, is facing criticism after promoting the debunked “15-minute city” conspiracy theory ahead of the November state election.
Pickering claimed that “globalist bureaucrats” were planning to restrict where Australians can live, work and travel through urban planning policies, despite experts rejecting the claims as false.
Researchers have warned that conspiracy theories can gain greater public credibility when they are repeated by high-profile political figures.
The controversy comes just days after One Nation unveiled its Victorian election candidates, with Pickering leading the party’s campaign across the state.
The party says it intends to contest seats across Victoria as it seeks to build on its recent rise in voter support ahead of the November election.
The latest controversy is expected to intensify scrutiny of One Nation’s campaign as the Victorian election approaches.
