An anonymous and unauthorised pamphlet circulated in the Sydney electorate of Wentworth has accused independent MP Allegra Spender of being soft on antisemitism and criticised her position on indefinite detention. The multi-page document, which also attempts to link Ms Spender to the Labor government, has prompted the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to launch an urgent investigation after around 47,000 pamphlets were distributed across the electorate.
Speaking on Monday, Ms Spender condemned the pamphlet as an anonymous, misleading, and offensive attack aimed at damaging her campaign and assisting her political rivals.
“This pamphlet spreads false, offensive claims about me and is done anonymously,” she said at a press conference.
The bottom of each page reads “Produced by the people of Wentworth for the people of Wentworth”, placing the pamphlet in breach of electoral laws requiring all political material to be authorised, with a clearly identified individual or organisation named as responsible.
The AEC confirmed it is actively investigating the matter and has already contacted parties involved in the pamphlet’s production. “The AEC takes these issues very seriously and has moved quickly to trace and reach out to the responsible entity,” it said in a statement.
The source remains unknown, but a digital version of the pamphlet included a filename suggesting a link to IVE Group, a printing and marketing company. Photos of pamphlet bundles also showed them placed alongside another bundle branded with IVE’s logo.
While it’s not suggested IVE authored the pamphlet, it appears the company printed the material. A voicemail obtained by the confirmed an IVE employee referred to the pamphlets and named a colleague, both of whom work for IVE.
IVE Group has historical ties to the Liberal Party — its former executive chair Geoff Selig, who passed away in 2024, was a former NSW Liberal Party president, and the company has previously donated to the party.
When asked, the NSW Liberal Party denied involvement, saying: “Everything we produce is properly authorised. We believe it’s crucial that all election material carries the appropriate authorisation.”
The AEC also confirmed it has been in contact with IVE as part of its investigation.
