One Nation Faces Scrutiny Over Party Funds for Private Property

The Australian political party One Nation allocated $56,000 in party funds for the construction of a shed on private property. The property is owned by James Ashby, a senior party official. This expenditure was facilitated through a loan to Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, a company co-owned by Ashby, party leader Pauline Hanson, and a former treasurer.

Private Enterprise Receives Party Funds Internal party communications showed that the executive, which includes Ashby, unanimously approved the investment. The party described the funding as a cost-saving measure for a proposed micro-distillery venture. Unlike other commercial entities affiliated with the party, Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is privately held by these individuals, rather than being owned by the party or its trusts, according to ASIC documents. Party General Manager Kelvin Morton informed members via Party General Manager Kelvin Morton informed members via email that the party expects this business venture to generate future revenue to support campaign funding. He cited the arrangements of other political parties, such as the Labor party's interests in licensed clubs, as comparable ventures. Governance Concerns Arise

The Australian

The arrangement has raised governance concerns due to the commingling of party assets with the private interests of executive members. The party anticipates licensing revenue of between $400,000 and $500,000 annually from projected sales, a substantial increase from its current average alcohol revenue of $105,796. The entity currently lacks the necessary licensing to operate as a commercial distillery.

Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is currently a non-trading entity. The company stated it plans to complete licensing applications and commence production in 2027.