One Nation defends $56,000 expenditure on shed for party-linked distillery

One Nation is defending the use of $56,000 in party funds to construct a 64-square-metre Colorbond shed on the private property of federal director James Ashby in Yeppoon, Queensland. The expenditure was part of a “reinvestment package” intended to establish Small Batch Brewing, a micro distillery co-owned by Ashby, party leader Pauline Hanson, and treasurer Alex Jones.

General manager Kelvin Morton informed supporters that the decision was a unanimous move to minimize commercial rent and outgoings as the party expands. The party expects the distillery to generate significant revenue, projecting annual licensing income between $400,000 and $500,000, a substantial increase from their current average of approximately $105,796.

The move follows reports that Ashby, formerly Hanson’s chief of staff, was using the shed as a residence during home renovations, a claim he has denied. The distillery is currently awaiting liquor licensing and ATO requirements, with production slated to begin next year.