Allegra Spender Condemns Anonymous Smear Campaign as AEC Investigates Unauthorised Pamphlets

In a troubling development for the electoral integrity in Wentworth, independent MP Allegra Spender has publicly denounced a campaign of misinformation being waged against her. More than 47,000 unauthorised pamphlets, labelled 'false, misleading, and offensive' by Spender, have been distributed anonymously within her electorate, prompting an investigation by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). The AEC has confirmed that the pamphlets do not comply with electoral regulations demanding that promotional materials must carry the details of their origin to ensure transparency. Spender characterized these tactics as a smear campaign that undermines public faith in political discourse, especially with early voting commencing shortly. She urged all political opponents to condemn the distribution of these pamphlets and asserted that she is pursuing a campaign focused on climate action and a smarter economy. Additionally, the opposition's Liberal candidate Ro Knox claims no affiliation with the smear campaign, emphasizing the importance of proper authorisation for election communications. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in on the broader political landscape, critically assessing Peter Dutton's leadership style as 'Trump-like' and dismissing the Coalition's nuclear energy proposal as economically unviable. Meanwhile, the AEC's investigation highlights growing concerns over misleading electoral practices and the potential erosion of democratic processes in Australia, particularly as the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections.