The shed and the distillery plan
One Nation has confirmed that party money was used to erect a shed valued at $56,000 on the private land of James Ashby, a member of the party’s national executive. The structure sits on Ashby’s Yeppoon property and is intended to house equipment for a proposed micro distillery.
In an email circulated to members on Thursday night, the party’s general manager, Kelvin Morton, explained that the national executive had unanimously endorsed a “reinvestment package” for Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, a company linked to the party. The funds were to cover the costs of the shed and distilling apparatus, which would be placed on land owned by an executive member.
Morton wrote: “In an effort to minimise costs, including commercial rent and outgoings, it was unanimously agreed that One Nation would loan Small Batch Brewing the establishment costs for a shed and distilling equipment, which could be placed on land owned by a member of the executive.”
Financial projections and ownership details
The party anticipates that the venture could generate licensing revenue between $400,000 and $500,000 annually once operational, a marked increase from its current average alcohol-related income of $105,796 per year. Morton described this as a “significant increase” and expressed confidence that members would see the business opportunity as a boost to future campaign funding.
He added: “We are confident that our members will see the business opportunity that will drive stronger revenue and assist in the funding of future campaigns.”
Although Small Batch Brewing is presented as a party‑linked initiative, Australian Securities and Investments Commission records show the company is privately owned. Its shares are held equally by James Ashby, Pauline Hanson and the party’s former treasurer, Alex Jones. No party‑controlled trust or direct party ownership is recorded.
To keep overheads low, One Nation now contracts the Sunshine Coast brewery CAVU to produce its existing line of alcohol products while the distillery plans move forward.
Reactions and next steps
Morton noted that other political entities have pursued similar commercial ventures, citing the Labor party’s interests in licensed clubs and the Liberal party’s former software firm Parakeelia as comparable examples. He argued that One Nation’s approach is not unprecedented.
Small Batch Brewing has engaged liquor licensing consultants to satisfy Australian Taxation Office requirements and secure the necessary permits, with production slated to begin in 2027. Morton told members: “We look forward to providing you further updates on the progress of Small Batch Brewing and anticipate a special joint partner spirit ahead of Christmas.”
James Ashby previously described the enterprise as “currently a non‑trading entity” and affirmed that the necessary licensing applications would be submitted when the timing is appropriate.
Why it Matters
The revelation raises questions about the use of political party resources for private business ventures, especially when the assets are situated on a member’s personal property. It highlights the blurred lines between party funding, personal investment and potential profit‑making activities, prompting scrutiny over transparency and accountability in Australian political finance. As the distillery plan moves toward reality, the outcome may influence how parties navigate similar entrepreneurial ambitions in the future.
