Guide Dogs Victoria's chief executive has been stood down after she endorsed Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in a series of pre-election materials.
Karen Hayes was featured in a flyer and promotional video posted on social media backing Mr Frydenberg as the member for Kooyong ahead of the 21 May poll.
When made aware of the material last week, the charity's board confirmed it had not approved it and requested its immediate removal from circulation while launching an internal investigation.
On Tuesday, Guide Dogs Victoria confirmed Ms Hayes had been stood down from her role, pending the probe's outcome.
"The independent investigation is underway and is ongoing. The purpose of the investigation is to understand what happened and ensure it never happens again," it said in a statement.
The flyer and promotional video were authorised by Mr Frydenberg's Hawthorn East office, in compliance with electoral laws.
A photo of an election flyer distributed by the office of Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg featuring Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes. Source: Supplied / LIBERAL PARTY/PR IMAGE
The ACNC reminded charities of their obligations less than a week before the Ms Hayes' comments came to light.
Ms Hayes also appeared in a similar promotional video for Mr Frydenberg before the 2019 federal election. The Morrison government gave Guide Dogs Victoria $2.5 million the following year to upgrade its facilities.
Mr Frydenberg is under pressure to retain his blue-ribbon seat in Melbourne's inner east, with "teal" independent candidate Monique Ryan mounting a strong challenge.
