The Labor candidate for the federal seat of Dawson, Belinda Hassan, is disgusted by what she has described as a politically motivated attack after someone tried to set her car alight.

Key points: Police are investigating the attempted arson attack on Belinda Hassan's car

Police are investigating the attempted arson attack on Belinda Hassan's car The Labor candidate who owns the car says it's a "dangerous attempt at intimidation"

The Labor candidate who owns the car says it's a "dangerous attempt at intimidation" Her opponent, MP George Christensen, condemns the incident as "cowardly"

Police said a singed plastic bag was found stuffed into the fuel tank of the car.

They believed the attempted arson attack happened between 9:00pm Sunday and 8:30am Monday.

The ABC understands the car, which is marked with Ms Hassan's campaign signage and was parked at her personal address, was taken to Mackay Police station for examination on Monday.

In a statement, Ms Hassan said she believed the attack was politically motivated.

"This has been a scary incident — and it's extremely concerning behaviour in the context of a campaign," Ms Hassan said.

"Politics should be better than these dirty tactics.

"I'd like to thank the police for their prompt and professional response and the community for their support.

"I'm pretty disgusted that instead of fighting on policy, someone has resorted to a dangerous attempt at intimidation."

Incumbent Dawson MP George Christensen condemned the incident in a post on Facebook.

"There is no room for cowardly attacks against public figures — in or out of politics — in Australia," Mr Christensen wrote.

"Anyone who supports a free and democratic society should join me in condemning this disgraceful act and calling for those involved to be punished to the full extent of the law."