Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has been forced to remove an election pamphlet from circulation after Kiama Municipal Council lodged a formal complaint with the Australian Electoral Commission.

A flyer featuring a photo of Phillips and Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and dozens of community members at the opening of the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club had been produced as part of her re-election campaign for Gilmore in next Saturday’s federal election.

Kiama Municipal Council was concerned that the flyer featuring McDonald performing mayoral duties in Phillips’ campaign-related material would be perceived as him endorsing the Labor candidate.

Mayor McDonald was elected last October as an independent.

“Neither Kiama Municipal Council nor the Mayor authorised the use of this image, and permission was not sought,” according to an official statement from Council.

“Despite assurances provided to Council, the election material continues to be circulated.

“A formal complaint has been lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission and the candidate informed to cease using or circulating this material.”

Phillips responded by saying the flyer is no longer being used in her bid to retain the seat of Gilmore, which is expected to go down to the wire once again after it was the closest race nationwide in the 2022 election.

“A flyer containing a photo of a well-attended community event at the opening of the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club was distributed locally,” Phillips said.

“Kiama Council raised a concern with me about the Mayor being part of that photo on Saturday 19 April.

“The flyer was immediately removed from distribution following Council’s request and has not been distributed further.”