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Australia

One Nation defends $56k shed on Ashby property as 'unconventional' fundraiser

Party's general manager assures members the expenditure will benefit the party

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time1 min
Sources6 outlets
One Nation's general manager has defended the party's use of $56,000 in party funds to build a shed on James Ashby's private property, describing the micro-distillery project as an 'unconventional' fundraising move. The defence comes after the party admitted the expense in an email to members, where it said the money had been lent to a party-linked company.

The minor party's general manager assured members the 'unconventional' endeavour would ultimately benefit the party, according to reports by Brisbane Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age.

Guardian Australia revealed earlier this week that a company linked to One Nation – Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd – had purchased the shed despite having no revenue stream and no licence to produce or sell alcohol. The shed, built on Ashby's property, was valued at $56,000.

In an email to members, One Nation admitted that party funds had been used for the construction, stating that the money had been lent to a party-linked company to establish a micro distillery. The company's lack of revenue or licensing raised questions about the arrangement.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The use of political party funds to build infrastructure on a private property of a senior party figure raises questions about accountability and the use of donations.
  • The explanation – an 'unconventional' fundraiser linked to a micro-distillery – may test donor and member trust.
  • The story could amplify scrutiny of minor party financial practices and internal governance.

Background

One Nation is a minor political party in Australia, led by Pauline Hanson, with James Ashby serving in a key administrative role. The Guardian Australia reported on 21 September that a company linked to the party, Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, had purchased a shed on Ashby's property. The party subsequently confirmed in a member email that party funds had financed the shed as a loan to establish a micro-distillery.

Key Perspectives

One Nation (General Manager): Positioned the shed as part of an innovative fundraising venture that would ultimately benefit the party, framing it as unconventional rather than improper. Critics/Skeptics: The lack of revenue and licensing for the company Small Batch Brewing, combined with the extension of party funds for a structure on a senior figure's private property, invites questions about financial propriety and the distinction between party and personal interests.

What to Watch

  • Whether electoral oversight bodies or the Australian Electoral Commission examine the use of party funds for this purpose.
  • Party leadership's response and any further explanation of the micro-distillery plan.
  • Potential reaction from One Nation members and donors.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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