Coalition scrimps on MPs as Climate 200-backed independents outspend them in key seats

Independent candidate Allegra Spender and Climate 200 have spent almost $140,000 on Facebook and Google election ads for the Sydney seat of Wentworth, more than twice the amount of incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Liberal MPs in at-risk “teal” seats are being left with little financial support from the Coalition in the lead-up to the election, at the same time as they are being outspent on advertising by their independent challengers.

Analysis by Guardian Australia of the key seats being contested between Liberal MPs and Climate 200-backed independents shows that the Coalition has committed a total of just $92m out of a total of almost $6bn in discretionary spending made since the beginning of the year.