One Nation, a right-wing Australian political party, has confirmed it used party funds to build a $56,000 shed on the private property of James Ashby, a senior party member. The shed was constructed by Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, a company linked to One Nation, despite the company having no revenue and not being licensed to produce or sell alcohol. Ashby is currently living in the shed while renovations to his Yeppoon property are underway. In an email to party members, One Nation’s general manager, Kelvin Morton, revealed that the party had used its funds to build the shed and distilling equipment. This was part of a “reinvestment package” approved by the party’s national executive, which includes Ashby. The goal was to establish a micro distillery through Small Batch Brewing, with the party hoping to generate revenue from this unconventional business venture as early as next year. The decision to use party funds was made to reduce costs such as commercial rent and other expenses. Morton stated that the shed and equipment would be placed on land owned by an executive member, and the loan amount for the establishment costs remains undisclosed. He noted that while Small Batch Brewing may seem unusual, other political parties have made similar investments. For example, the Labor Party has interests in licensed clubs, and the Liberal Party has a stake in a software company called Parakeelia. However, unlike these ventures, Small Batch Brewing is not owned by One Nation or its affiliated trusts. Instead, it is privately owned by Ashby, One Nation co-founder Pauline Hanson, and the party’s former treasurer, Alex Jones, who are equal shareholders. Morton estimated that the venture could generate between $400,000 and $500,000 annually in licensing revenue, a significant increase from the party’s current average of about $105,796 in alcohol-related income. The party currently uses a contract brewer based on the Sunshine Coast to produce its alcohol products. Morton expressed confidence that members would see this as a business opportunity that could help fund future political campaigns. Small Batch Brewing is working with liquor licensing consultants to meet legal requirements before starting production in 2027. Ashby previously told Guardian Australia that the business is “currently a non-trading entity” and will begin the licensing process when appropriate.