In an email sent to members on Thursday night, the party’s general manager, Kelvin Morton, said party funds had been used to build the shed.

He said the party’s national executive – on which Ashby sits as a member – had approved a “reinvestment package” into Small Batch Brewing to establish a micro distillery.

He told members that the party hoped to make money out of the “unconventional” business venture as early as next year.

“In an effort to minimise costs, including commercial rent and outgoings, it was unanimously agreed that One Nation would loan Small Batch Brewing the establishment costs for a shed and distilling equipment, which could be placed on land owned by a member of the executive,” the email from Morton to members said.

It is unclear how much money has been lent to the entity for brewing equipment.