Incoming independent MP Monique Ryan, who beat out Josh Frydenberg for the seat of Kooyong, says her supporters are receiving misogynistic, racist and threatening letters at their homes.

She has encouraged anyone who has received these types of letter to report them to the police.

“Over the past three weeks, some of my supporters and campaign volunteers have received threatening handwritten anonymous letters in their mailbox,” Ryan said in a statement.

“When my office was first made aware of this, we informed the Australian Federal Police and Victoria police. Based on advice from the AFP, we have advised anyone who has received one of these anonymous letters to contact their local Victoria police station.

“In recent days, several more of these anonymous letters have been placed in supporters’ mailboxes. Their contents are misogynistic, racist and threatening.

“It is extremely disappointing that people are being targeted for exercising their democratic rights. These cowardly anonymous threats are very distressing for the people who receive them.

“We will provide assistance to anyone who receives a threatening anonymous letter. Our advice from the AFP to anyone who receives a letter like this is to immediately contact Victoria police and give them the letter and any relevant security camera footage, if available.”