After referring a government backbencher to the elections watchdog over a donation, activist group GetUp says it would "be a shame" if George Christensen failed to keep his promise to a turtle sanctuary.
The Queensland MP has revoked a pledge to make a $12,000 personal contribution to Eco Barge Clean Seas if he's re-elected after being referred to the Australian Electoral Commission over the promise.
But GetUp says Mr Christensen can give money to whoever he wants, as long as he doesn't tie it to his re-election.
Mr Christensen was denying the turtle sanctuary funding because he didn't understand electoral law, national director Paul Oosting said.
"Please, by all means, give all your money to whomever you like, just don't make it contingent on being returned to power," he said on Tuesday.
"The turtle sanctuary does important work. It would be a shame if Mr Christensen were to deny them his donation because of his failure to understand what he has done wrong."
Mr Christensen has denied his pledge amounted to bribery, saying the donation was not an inducement to receive votes.
He accused GetUp of politicking and said he'd revoke the offer to clear up any confusion about electoral laws.
"Only turtles gained from my pledge to Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre. @GetUp should now stump up for the turtles," he tweeted on Tuesday.
The Dawson MP says he has a long history of using his electoral allowance to donate to such causes.
In the past he'd pledged thousands of dollars to homeless groups, fishing clubs and playgrounds.
