Greens candidate Alex Bhathal is running for the federal Melbourne seat of Batman for the sixth time and says by now the voters know her.
But as the March 17 by-election fast approaches, electors are being kept in the dark about the nature of complaints against her from within her own party and how they have been handled behind closed doors.
Federal party leader Richard Di Natale stepped in to shield Ms Bhathal from questions about the allegations at a press conference at suburban Thornbury on Tuesday.
He refused to confirm the nature of the complaint, which has been reported as "bullying" by various media outlets.
"That issue's been dealt with. We had an issue raised, a request for confidentiality which has been respected," Senator Di Natale told reporters.
"We're now in a position where Alex has been endorsed completely, comprehensively by her branch, by the state party and indeed by so many people in this electorate."
When pressed about whether voters deserved to know about allegations against candidates and elected representatives, Senator Di Natale said the complainant had requested anonymity.
"When somebody makes a request confidentially it is incumbent on those people who are responding and dealing with that request," he said.
"The issue was dealt with internally and the request for confidentiality has been respected and that's the end of the matter."
Ms Bhathal, a social worker by profession, shied away from talking about the issue and tried to promote her candidacy.
"We're dealing with a situation here where I'm very well known and people can make their own judgements," she said.
"The matter was dealt with, I have the overwhelming support of my branch, the largest branch in Australia."
Asked if they stood for transparency, Ms Bhathal and Senator Di Natale walked away from reporters and ended the press conference.
Ms Bhathal has run for the Greens repeatedly since 2001 and lost Batman in 2016 when Liberal preferences flowed to Labor's David Feeney.
The by-election in the marginal electorate was sparked by Mr Feeney's resignation over his dual citizenship.
Ged Kearney is running for the ALP in a field of 10 contenders and says the issues involving Ms Bhathal should be resolved.
"Both parties in this election are campaigning on integrity and transparency," Ms Kearney said.
"This is a matter for the Greens party, but I think the only way to make this matter go away is to give a full explanation for what has happened."
ALEX BHATHAL'S BATMAN TILTS AND PRIMARY VOTE
* 2001 - 11.6 per cent
* 2004 - 13.9 per cent
* 2010 - 23.5 per cent
* 2013 - 26.4 per cent
* 2016 - 36.2 per cent
SOURCE: Australian Electoral Commission
