AEC Reviews Abbie Chatfield's Political Posts with Albanese, Bandt

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is reviewing social media posts by influencer Abbie Chatfield featuring Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Greens leader Adam Bandt to determine if they constitute political content that requires legal authorisation. This investigation comes in response to concerns about the role of influencers in political campaigning, particularly regarding whether Chatfield's posts should be classified as electoral matter under the Electoral Act. The AEC's review will assess whether the content influences voter behavior or is simply news opinion, which is typically exempt from authorisation requirements. Chatfield has denied being paid for the posts and has been outspoken about the scrutiny of influencer involvement in politics. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for how social media collaborations between politicians and influencers are regulated in future elections. As more politicians engage with influencers to connect with younger voters, the implications of this case could significantly shape electoral campaigning strategies.