One Nation is scrambling to explain why party money paid for a $56,000 shed on the private land of Pauline Hanson’s former long-time chief of staff.
The 8 metre by 8 metre Colorbond shed sits on the Yeppoon property of One Nation federal director James Ashby. It passed its final inspection on Wednesday, 22 July. The party helpfully included pictures of the shed in their email so members can see what they are paying for.
It was built by Small Batch Brewing, a micro distillery privately owned by Mr Ashby, Ms Hanson, and party treasurer Alex Jones.
The Guardian reported that Mr Ashby, who until recently was Ms Hanson’s chief of staff and key strategist and has since moved into a party leadership role, was living in the shed while his home was being renovated.
Mr Ashby denied living in the shed, but would not comment further.
Now the party is in damage control. In an email to supporters on Thursday night, One Nation general manager Kelvin Morton said the party executive had approved a “reinvestment package” to set up the distillery.
“As One Nation grows, so too does our need to increase staffing numbers and move into larger premises,” Mr 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.”
The shed went up at Yeppoon because that is where the party’s master distiller is based.
Small Batch Brewing has hired liquor licensing consultants to sort out its licence and ATO requirements, with production set to start next year.
And the party is banking on a big payday.
“One Nation anticipates licensing revenue of between $400,000 – $500,000 per annum based on projected sales,” Mr Morton wrote.
“This represents a significant increase in alcohol revenue from our average of $105,796.00 each year.”
Liquor has already been a lucrative income stream for the party: One Nation launched its Please Explain gin in 2021 with Sunshine Coast distiller CAVU.
“The gin’s success provided the finances to launch One Nation’s hugely popular ‘Please Explain’ cartoon series,” he wrote.
“Rum and vodka soon followed, providing One Nation a passive revenue stream of $528,983.79 in licensing arrangements.”
Members have also been promised a special joint partner spirit ahead of Christmas.
But the timing could hardly be worse. One Nation’s finances are under the microscope as the party soars in the polls and grows fast, fielding candidates in every seat at the looming Victorian election.
Earlier this month, it was reported the party failed to declare a plane as a political donation, even after an Australian Electoral Commission investigation prompted the donor to declare it himself. Not Gina’s plane, worth $1.5m, buta smaller $100k Jabiru plane.
The plane was registered in Mr Ashby’s name, and flown by Mr Ashby. One former staff member reported the matter to police as a possible misappropriation.
The party has also reported racking up $400,000 in debts to Ms Hanson over the past decade, with no records showing she lent the money in the first place.
Mr Morton is sticking to his guns.
“We are confident that our members will see the business opportunity that will drive stronger revenue and assist in the funding of future campaigns,” he wrote.
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