Independent lawmakers and advocates for transparency are criticizing a recent “push poll” targeting voters in two electorates currently held by independents of the “teal” political persuasion. Critics label this tactic as an outright attack on democratic processes. Push polling is a deceptive political strategy that employs leading questions to sway the opinions of respondents.

The practice of anonymous push polling is outlawed in the Northern Territory due to its potential to manipulate public opinion, however, it remains legal on the federal stage. The poll in question, carried out by “Intelligent Dialogue,” inquired about the voting inclinations of constituents in Melbourne’s Goldstein and Sydney’s Wentworth regions. Those who chose independent candidates faced follow-up questions, while those who selected major party candidates did not.

Critics argue these tactics are aimed at sowing discord among voters and undermining confidence in independent politicians. They point to funding received by these independent candidates from wealthy donors, like billionaire Simon Holmes à Court, to fuel concerns over their independence. Despite these allegations, the independents and the funders themselves deny any influence on their political stances.

The new polling questions have sparked debate around the transparency of political fundraising and the potential for external influences on elected officials. The incident has drawn the attention of institutions like Transparency International Australia, who decried the lack of transparency in political campaigning.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/08/teal-mps-decry-anonymous-push-poll-allegra-spender-zoe-daniel-ntwnfb