Key facts
- One Nation used party funds to build a $56,000 shed on James Ashby's private property.
- James Ashby is living in the shed while his property undergoes renovations.
- The shed will house a micro distillery venture called Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd.
- Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is privately owned by James Ashby, Hanson, and former party treasurer Alex Jones.
- One Nation's national executive approved a "reinvestment package" into Small Batch Brewing.
- The party anticipates making between $400,000 and $500,000 annually from licensing revenue.
One Nation has admitted to using party funds to construct a $56,000 shed on the private property of James Ashby, a member of the party's national executive. The shed is intended to house a new micro distillery venture, Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, which is privately owned by Ashby, Hanson, and former party treasurer Alex Jones.
In an email to members, One Nation's general manager Kelvin Morton stated that the party's national executive approved a "reinvestment package" into Small Batch Brewing to establish the micro distillery. Morton explained that party funds were loaned to the entity for the establishment costs of the shed and distilling equipment to minimize commercial rent and outgoings. The party hopes this "unconventional" business venture will generate revenue as early as next year.
Morton pointed to similar ventures by other political parties, such as the Labor party's interests in licensed clubs and the Liberal Party's software company Parakeelia. However, ASIC documents indicate that Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is not owned by the party or its controlled trusts, but is instead equally owned by Ashby, Hanson, and Jones.
The party anticipates significant annual licensing revenue between $400,000 and $500,000 from projected sales, a substantial increase from its current average of $105,796 per year. Small Batch Brewing has engaged liquor licensing consultants and aims to commence production in 2027, pending licensing and ATO requirements.