Independent MP Allegra Spender has demanded the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) explain why it won't reveal the identity of the person responsible for distributing tens of thousands of unauthorised pamphlets threatening to "expose" her in her electorate of Wentworth.
More than 47,000 flyers were circulated across the eastern Sydney seat in recent days, .
The pamphlets, claiming they were "produced by the people of Wentworth, for the people of Wentworth" contained allegations Spender had "misled the electorate on her positions".
However, a lack of official authorisation means voters do not know where its information is sourced from, putting the pamphlets in breach of Australia's electoral laws.
AEC confirms identity, but won’t release it
Following the investigation, the AEC said it had identified the person behind the campaign, who has no link to political parties or candidates contesting the seat of Wentworth.
"To date, our investigation has only identified evidence that this individual has acted alone, and the individual concerned has confirmed this is the case," a statement from the AEC read.
"The AEC will not be providing the name of this person at this time.
"Voters are reminded to stop and consider the source of all messages relating to the 2025 federal election."
The AEC said it had received a written undertaking from the person responsible that they would not distribute any further copies of the material or any unauthorised material during the election campaign.
It said it would decide whether to pursue any legal action after the election.
In a social media post, Spender said the public has a right to know who was behind the unauthorised smear campaign.
One of the unauthorised pamphlets taking aim at Sydney independent MP Allegra Spender.
"How can voters consider the source if the AEC will not identify that source? I will be asking the AEC to reconsider its decision or explain what compelling reasons it might have in this case to override its responsibilities to inform the public and enforce the law."
In a statement provided to SBS News earlier this week, Spender said the 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," Spender said.
"These campaigns are clearly designed to ensure a win for the Liberal Party in Wentworth."
Spender won Wentworth from in 2022 and is re-contesting the seat at the 3 May federal election.
The electorate remains one of the most closely watched in the country.
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