The Liberal Party has asked the Australian Electoral Commission to investigate the financial vehicles of four independent election candidates, fearing they may "circumvent" donation laws.
But at least two of the candidates have dismissed the sentiment that there is anything wrong with how they are being funded.
The Liberals want the AEC to confirm the companies through which funding is being managed for the independents couldn't be used to get around donation laws, a spokesman for the NSW division of the party told AAP.
The candidates in question are Zali Steggall, Oliver Yates, Kerryn Phelps and Julia Banks.
Member for the seat of Warringah Tony Abbott with Independent candidate Zali Steggall at an event in March. Source: AAP
Ms Steggall is hoping to oust former prime minister Tony Abbott from his seat of Warringah on Sydney's northern beaches, and has told Nine all of her donations have come from individuals.
Dr Phelps, who won the by-election trigged when former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull stepped down from his Sydney seat of Wentworth, has also dismissed suggestions of any issues.
"When you have an independent grassroots campaign, you need to have a vehicle in order to manage donations," she has told Nine.
She says she has already disclosed the donations from her by-election campaign.
Dr Phelps won a by-election trigged by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s stepping down. Source: AAP
"There are disclosure obligations on all candidates and members of parliament and I will be fulfilling those obligations."
Ms Banks is also already in parliament, having defected from the Liberals last year and now hoping to swap Victorian seats to one held by Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Oliver Yates is vying for Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east.
Oliver Yates has quit the Liberal Party to challenge Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as an independent. Source: AAP
The AEC has been contacted for comment.
