Teal Hypocrisy on Intregrity and Transparency

Media Release

28 February 2025

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has confirmed that it is investigating at least four companies linked to Teal independent candidates after it was revealed that they were not properly registered as election vehicles.

The four candidates attached to these entities are Erchana Murray-Bartlett - candidate for McPherson, Deb Leonard - candidate for Monash, Alex Dyson - candidate for Wannon, and Susan Chapman - candidate for Forrest.

In Senate Estimates on Monday night, Senator Jane Hume put questions to AEC Acting Commissioner Mr Jeff Pope about the arrangements of these entities.

Senator Hume: It would be correct that, on the face of it, these entities are established - I'm using the phrase very specifically here - wholly or to a significant extent for the benefit of one or more disclosure entities, and the benefit relates to one or more electoral activities, which would then define them as an associated entity. Is that correct?

Mr Pope: On the face of it, it would seem that that's a reasonable starting proposition.

Senator Hume: Well it's not as if they've been set up to benefit anyone else other than the candidate that has declared. It's in their names, yeah...?

Mr Pope: Yes, that's right.

Senator Hume: Can I confirm that you have commenced looking into the arrangements for these entities?

Mr Pope: Senator, we've started to look into those. I appreciate you bringing those to our attention. We had already initiated some inquiries with respect to a few of those, but I'll be able to come back to you with a bit more once we've completed our inquiries.

Despite the fact that the legislation requires entities to immediately cease accepting donations or recurring electoral expenditure until they’ve been added to the transparency register, it was revealed that each of those four candidates have continued to spend significant money on social media advertising.

As of 7 February 2025, Meta shows the following expenditure: Erchana Murray Bartlett for McPherson, $57,184. Deb Leonard for Monash - $24,670. Alex Dyson for Wannon - $43,571. Susan Chapman for Forrest - $11,955.

Not only has the AEC said that these candidates may be subject to significant fines if they are found to be in contravention of the Act, but donors may also be subject to penalties.

Senator Hume: Where do you think it's going to leave people that have donated to these entities should the entities not register? What happens?

Mr Pope: Well, as in they've donated money believing that it's for a particular candidate-

Senator Hume: But then that organisation hasn't registered.

Mr Pope: Well I imagine they're going to be reasonably disappointed, particularly as we get more deeply involved. But also, those that have donated may also have a requirement to submit a donor return as well.

Senator Hume: So those donors may also potentially suffer penalties?

Mr Pope: Well, potentially. If they've donated above the threshold.

Shadow Special Minister of State, Senator Jane Hume said that these revelations were deeply concerning.

"The lack of integrity that these candidates have shown is seriously concerning. There are serious questions to answer for these Teal holding companies that are avoiding transparency and potentially breaking the law.

“It is the height of hypocrisy to claim to stand for integrity and transparency yet then deliberately avoid the law on electoral integrity and transparency.

"The Teals have been revealed for what they are; hypocrites. There is clear evidence Teal candidates may have broken the law to avoid transparency."