One Nation national director James Ashby is receiving significant benefits in his role, including a $56,706 shed built on his central Queensland property by a party-linked company, alongside regular access to a party-gifted aircraft and vehicle according to documents reported by Guardian Australia.
Property Development and Corporate Ties
Property records show that James Ashby bought a lifestyle property near Yeppoon in Queensland in 2025. A development application lodged with the shire of Livingstone lists Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd as the purchaser of a $56,706 shed built on the land, with documentation from an independent engineer also naming the company as the customer.
Small Batch Brewing is jointly owned by Ashby, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, and the party’s national treasurer, Alexander Jones. Australian Securities and Investment Commission records show the company’s principal place of business is One Nation’s Brisbane headquarters at an airport industrial estate. While described as a craft-brewing venture, Guardian Australia confirmed the company holds neither a liquor licence to sell alcohol nor an excise licence to manufacture it in Australia. Ashby stated to Guardian Australia that the company is “currently a non-trading entity” and will apply for necessary approvals when appropriate. Council records show Ashby has received approval to build a house and an in-ground pool on the Yeppoon property, and he regularly conducts live television crosses for News24 from the building.
Did You Know?
Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is listed at One Nation’s Brisbane headquarters on an industrial estate at the airport, but despite being described as a craft-brewing venture, it holds no liquor or excise licences to sell or manufacture alcohol.
Vehicles, Aviation Access, and Campaign Roles
Guardian Australia understands that Ashby drives a new Ford Ranger that was personally gifted to One Nation in April by Adam Giles, the chief executive of Hancock Agriculture. Pauline Hanson stated that the vehicle would assist party campaign efforts and provide necessary presence ahead of the next federal election. Ashby stated in a statement to Guardian Australia that the vehicle was used for campaign and branch purposes and that he uses a privately owned vehicle for personal use, according to the report.
Sources also indicate Ashby has regular access to a $2m Cirrus plane gifted to One Nation by Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest person and Giles’ employer. The aircraft is kept at Rockhampton airport near Ashby’s home, and he serves as its main pilot. Ashby stated that the aircraft is not used for personal transportation. In May, a friend of Ashby travelled on the plane with him and Hanson on its maiden flight to Albury.
Political Speculation and Future Outlook
Ashby’s transition into the role of One Nation’s national director prompted speculation that he was preparing to run for parliament at the next federal election. In May, Hanson asked the Department of Finance for permission to establish a second electorate office in Yeppoon, further fueling suggestions of a parliamentary bid. When asked if he would run at the next election, Ashby told Guardian Australia: “No.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the company that purchased the shed on James Ashby’s property?
Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd is jointly owned by James Ashby, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, and party national treasurer Alexander Jones, according to council and corporate records.
Is James Ashby planning to run for federal parliament at the next election?
When asked if he would run at the next election, Ashby told Guardian Australia: “No.”
How do you view the relationship between political party donations and personal asset development for key staffers?
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