Investigation Launched into Unauthorised Election Pamphlets Targeting Allegra Spender
Key Points
- Over 47,000 unauthorised pamphlets distributed targeting MP Allegra Spender in Sydney’s Wentworth electorate.
- Spender denounces the pamphlets as a “dirty trick” and part of a negative campaign against her.
- The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is conducting an investigation into the pamphlets for lack of authorization information.
Independent MP Allegra Spender has expressed relief at the news of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) initiating an investigation into the dissemination of nearly 50,000 unauthorised pamphlets opposing her re-election bid.
“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 benefit my political opponents,” said Spender, one of the teal independents elected in 2022.
The AEC received complaints regarding the distribution of the unauthorised election campaign material, confirming that over 47,000 pamphlets were circulated in the Wentworth area without any authorisation details.
With early voting for the upcoming election set to commence soon, the commission emphasized the illegality of sending campaign material without clear identification of its source.
A photograph of the pamphlet depicts Spender with the words “Allegra Spender Exposed” and a claim at the bottom saying “produced by the people of Wentworth for the people of Wentworth.”
A Campaign of ‘Dirty Tricks’
In a statement to SBS News, Spender characterized the unauthorised pamphlets as part of a campaign of “dirty tricks” aimed at her.
“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 remarked.
Independent MP Allegra Spender has condemned what she calls a ‘dirty’ campaign being run against her. Source: Getty / Nina Franova
Spender stressed the importance of transparency, urging the public to know the source and motivations behind the election material before casting their votes.
A spokesperson for the Liberal campaign assured that they are running a properly authorized campaign and emphasized the significance of all election materials having appropriate authorisation.
Guilty Party Could Face Large Fines
The AEC expressed seriousness in addressing the matter and is actively working to identify and contact the individual or group responsible for the unauthorised pamphlets.
Under the commission’s Regulatory Action Policy, failing to include required particulars on electoral matter can result in fines up to $37,000 for individuals and up to $187,800 for corporations.
As the investigation progresses, the AEC refrained from making further comments at this stage and encouraged reporting of unauthorised electoral communications to authorisations@aec.gov.au.
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