Key Points
- Over 47,000 pamphlets targeting local MP Allegra Spender have been distributed around Sydney's Wentworth electorate.
- Spender has labelled it a "dirty trick" and said a vicious and negative campaign was being run against her.
- The AEC has confirmed it is investing the pamphlets, which did not contain details about who had funded the material.
Independent MP Allegra Spender has welcomed news that the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is investigating the distribution of almost 50,000 unauthorised pamphlets opposing her bid for re-election.
"This pamphlet spreads false, misleading and offensive claims about me, and does so anonymously. This anonymous and misleading campaign is designed to undermine me and to benefit my political opponents," said Spender, one of the teal independents elected in 2022.
The AEC said it had received complaints regarding the distribution of the unauthorised election campaign material, confirming that over 47,000 of the pamphlets had been distributed in the Wentworth area.
"These pamphlets lack any form of authorisation, meaning that voters have no way of identifying the source of the communication," an AEC press release read.
With early voting for the 3 May election beginning tomorrow, the commission has warned that sending campaign material without providing clear details about who and where it has come from is illegal.
A photograph of the pamphlet seen by SBS News features an image of Spender with the words '"Allegra Spender Exposed".
A line at the bottom of document reads "produced by the people of Wentworth for the people of Wentworth".
A campaign of 'dirty tricks'
In a statement provided to SBS News, Spender said the unauthorised pamphlets were part of a campaign of "dirty tricks".
"You only have to drive around Sydney’s east to see the negative campaign being run against me.
"These campaigns are clearly designed to ensure a win for the Liberal Party in Wentworth," Spender said.
Independent MP Allegra Spender has condemned what she calls a 'dirty' campaign being run against her. Source: Getty / Nina Franova
"This transparency needs to be provided urgently, because Australians will begin casting their ballots tomorrow," she said.
A Liberal campaign spokesperson told SBS News that it was "running a properly authorised campaign and strongly believe it's important for all election material to have the appropriate authorisation".
Guilty party could face large fines
The AEC said it "takes these matters very seriously" and was working to quickly identify and make contact with the person or group responsible for the pamphlets.
According to the commission's Regulatory Action Policy, failure to include notifying particulars on certain electoral matter can attract a fine to the value of 120 penalty units.
One unit is currently valued at $313, meaning an individual could face a fine of more than $37,000.
A court is able to impose a penalty five times that amount — up to $187,800 — for a corporation found to have breached the act.
An AEC spokesperson told SBS that, as the investigation was ongoing, it wouldn't be appropriate for the commission to make any further comment at this stage.
Unauthorised electoral communications can be reported by sending an email to [email protected] with a copy of the relevant material.
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