Climate group backing independents hits back at Coalition calls to dob them in under donor rules

Climate 200, a company set up as a fundraising vehicle to bankroll campaigns, has raised millions of dollars for a series of independent candidates challenging sitting Liberal MPs in inner-city constituencies.

Climate 200 has already disclosed several thousand donors on its website, although a complete filing to the Australian Electoral Commission will require additional details including the sum donated.

In September Porter declared that the Legal Services Trust part paid his legal fees for a defamation case against the ABC, with funds from undisclosed sources.

An analysis of recent electoral expenditure suggests the three-year retrospective application will capture about a dozen organisations, including climate activist charities, unions, Universities Australia, and the Master Builders Australia, which said it accepts it will have to register.

Guardian Australia also contacted Morton for comment.