One Nation has admitted that a $56,000 shed was built on James Ashby's private property. The purchaser of the shed on Ashby's property was a company associated with the party, Small Batch Pty Ltd.
The company had no revenue or license for producing or selling alcohol. Ash is currently living in the shed on his property in Yeppoon while work is carried out on the renovation.
In an email sent to members on Thursday evening, the party's manager Kelvin Morton stated that party funds were used for the construction of the shed. Morton stated that the party's executive board, in which Ash sits as a member, approved a 'reinvestment package' for Small Batch.
Morton told members that the party expected a return from this 'unconventional' business venture by the following year. In the email, it was stated that the party would lend funds to the company Small Batch for the costs of establishing the shed and distillation equipment, with the equipment to be placed on land owned by a board member.
It is not clear how much money was lent to the entity for the production of beverages. Morton said the party expects revenue from licensing between $400,000 and $500,000 a year, based on projected sales.
According to Morton, the projected licensing revenue represents a 'significant increase' compared to the current average alcohol revenue of $105,796.00 a year. The party currently uses a manufacturer, CAVU, from the Sunshine Coast, to produce its line of alcoholic products.
Documents from ASIC show that Small Batch Pty Ltd is not owned by the party or party-controlled trusts. The company is in private ownership by Ash, Pauline Hanson, and former party treasurer Alex Jones, who are equal shareholders.
