The Liberal candidate for the south-west Sydney seat of Holsworthy has been targeted in a racist smear campaign, ahead of the state election. 

Pamphlets, made to look like campaign material, have been distributed in some parts of the electorate. 

They contain a photograph of Tina Ayyad and false statements referencing her Muslim faith and claims she does not resonate with the Holsworthy electorate. 

“It’s appalling, and I’m disgusted,” Ms Ayyad said.

“I condemn the racism and hatred that the pamphlets represent and it’s something that doesn’t belong in our community.”

Tina Ayyad is a former Liverpool councillor and deputy mayor and the wife of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun. 

She won preselection for the seat of Holsworthy in November last year, against long-serving Liberal MP Melanie Gibbons. 

Ms Gibbons, who has represented south-west Sydney for 12 years, has since been nominated to run in Kiama, south of Sydney. 

Ms Ayyad said she does not believe the smear campaign had anything to do with the preselection challenge. 

“I’m staying strong and I’m moving forward in (my) campaign,” she said. 

“My focus is on continuing to advocate for the community, namely in these uncertain economic times ahead.”

Ms Ayyad said it’s not clear where the pamphlets have come from or who made them. 

“The Electoral Commission has been made aware of the material that’s floating around as have the police and they’re doing that investigation.”

With 10 days until the state election, Ms Ayyad said she was focused on the task at hand. 

“Since this horrible incident has occurred, I’ve received enormous support from the community and it’s encouraged me more on the campaign trail,” she said. 

“Holsworthy is a vibrant and diverse community and it shouldn’t have to do with the rubbish that’s been floating around. It deserves better.”

Barden Ridge resident Scesar Melendez said he pulled the pamphlet out of his letterbox on Sunday night. 

“It really upset me because I don’t think that statement is representative of the thinking of that politician,” he said. 

“We didn’t think it was a pamphlet that would bring unity to our community.

“That sort of thing creates fear in our community.

“Intelligent people will realise she did not write that.”