The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has referred a complaint about federal MP George Christensen to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

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Leftwing activist group GetUp complained to the AEC about "bribery concerns" over Mr Christensen's promise to personally donate $12,000 to a turtle rescue centre in Queensland's Whitsundays if he is re-elected.

GetUp spokesman Paul Oosting said he was glad the complaint was being taken seriously.

"It's not a good look and not a good way for a politician to be behaving," he said.

Mr Christensen, the LNP Member for Dawson, has described the GetUp complaint as ridiculous, saying it was politically motivated.

"How is it bribery? The centre doesn't vote, the turtles don't vote," he said yesterday.

He said he withdrew his offer of money to avoid any confusion.

Mr Christensen did not turn up to an election event in Mackay this morning that he was scheduled to attend.

Mr Oosting said the allegation is a very serious matter.

"If found to be true, it really undermines our democracy," he said.

"We want people to cast their vote without fear or favour and without the influence of money involved."

Mr Oosting said he believed the referral would encourage voters to consider their support for Mr Christensen.

"We already know there are real tensions in the community around George Christensen's behaviour and range of issues, so I think they'll be taking a good hard look at this and we're all waiting to see what the outcome for the AFP investigation is."