An independent candidate for the federal election has hit out at a push by the local Liberal MP for her supporters to take down promotional signs.
Former ABC journalist and communications coach Zoe Daniel is taking on Tim Wilson in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein at the election.
Mr Wilson has sent out an email requesting people dob in members of the community who are displaying Ms Daniel's campaign signs, because he said they were in breach of local planning rules.
Ms Daniel said this amounted to "bullying and intimidation".
"It highlights the importance of Goldstein electing a member with safety for women at work, in the home and in the community as a top priority," she said in a statement on Wednesday.
"I am running to win. We do not have access to the tens of millions of dollars available to the major parties. We will use our limited resources as effectively as we can."
She said as the daughter of a footballer she would "always play the ball, not the man".
"The Liberal-National Party falls back on dirty tactics, intimidation and personal attacks. I will not."
Mr Wilson said he felt sorry for people who could be fined "because my opponent wilfully ignores the law".
"Lawbreakers should not be lawmakers," he tweeted.
Bayside City Council said while a federal election had not yet been called, Victorian planning provisions allowing for political signage kicked in on February 21.
"A permit is not required for a sign smaller than five square metres," the council said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Council has received complaints in relation to candidate signs installed prior to February 21, however no fines have been issued."
The signs are allowed to be displayed for a total of three months, or 14 days after the election, whichever is sooner.
