The message said: “Shepparton’s independent MP Suzanna Sheed just voted with Daniel Andrews & Labor to pass new lockdown laws. If you don’t agree sign our petition.”
The text included a link to an online form.
The same messages were also reportedly received naming Mildura’s independent MP, Ali Cupper.
“I am appalled that the Nationals and Liberals are taking the low road and sending out false information to residents,” Ms Sheed said.
“I voted against the pandemic bill when it came before the house on October 28.”
Ms Sheed said the text message was misinformation because it didn’t accurately reflect what occurred in parliament when amendments to the bill passed on Thursday, December 2.
“The truth about what happened in parliament yesterday, is that the pandemic bill amendments came back to the Legislative Assembly after lengthy debate in the upper house and I supported the amendments just as all the other parties did, including the National and Liberal parties, on the final vote,” she said.
Ms Sheed compared the messages to texts sent by United Australia Party’s Craig Kelly and said it was “certainly not the way politicians with any integrity should behave”.
“It shows the Nationals are grasping at straws to remain relevant when their views and policies are so far outdated,” she said.
The text message was co-authorised by Liberal Party of Australia Victorian division director Sam McQuestin, and National Party of Australia state director Matthew Harris.
A spokesperson from Mr Harris’ office denied the text message contained false information.
“Suzanna Sheed is using parliamentary procedure to hide the truth from her constituents,” they said.
“The transcript in Hansard is clear — she supported Daniel Andrews' new lockdown law.
“And when she had the chance to vote with the Opposition on an amendment to stop the bill, she voted with Labor.”
Mr Harris’ office did not respond when asked how many voters received the jointly issued text.
