Overview

• The electoral commission filed proceedings naming Wentworth constituent Jarrod Davis over pamphlets targeting independent MP Allegra Spender.
• About 47,000 multi-page leaflets allegedly lacked the required authorisation identifying the publisher and criticised Spender on antisemitism and indefinite detention.
• The escalation comes after more than five months of investigation, with reports alleging Davis spent about $17,500 on printing and distribution.
• Failure to properly authorise election material can attract fines of up to $39,600 per contravention at a court’s discretion.
• Davis called the omission an error and questioned the court action, while Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope and Spender emphasised the need for transparency and curbing anonymous misinformation.