Ben Lucas, a candidate for One Nation in the upcoming Victorian elections, entered a guilty plea in court on Friday regarding several violations of health regulations.
The charges stemmed from a public health investigation conducted by the Baw Baw Shire Council, where Lucas has held a position as a councillor since 2020.
Although Lucas was fined, he did not receive a formal conviction.
Announced as the One Nation candidate for Narracan, situated in West Gippsland southeast of Melbourne, Lucas faced the court for alleged infractions related to his gym businesses.
During proceedings at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, Lucas pleaded guilty to operating a category-one aquatic facility without the necessary registration from the Baw Baw Shire Council.
The council’s investigation revealed that Lucas was managing the Zen Den Warragul, which featured saunas and ice baths, without being properly registered as a category-one aquatic facility in Warragul in early 2025.
According to public health regulations, a category-one aquatic facility includes swimming pools, spa pools, or interactive water features.
Although Lucas eventually registered the business with the council and received a penalty infringement notice, the establishment was later relocated to Drouin. Further investigations showed that the Zen Den Drouin was also not registered as an aquatic facility with the council.
Magistrate Anthony Gwynne imposed a fine of $4,000 on Lucas and placed him on a 12-month adjourned undertaking, describing it as a significant penalty.
Gwynne acknowledged Lucas’s intentions to contribute positively to the community but emphasized the importance of adhering to established regulations and procedures.
In response, Lucas expressed relief at having resolved the matter, stating, “I’m glad that common sense prevailed in the end. I admitted liability for an administrative oversight; I’m just not sure the council’s proposed punishment met the crime. I’m glad that’s out of the way, and we can crack on for November. We need to take this state back.”
