Businessman John Singleton’s decision to back two independent candidates in the 2013 federal election cost him almost $750,000.

The Australian Electoral Commission on Monday reported that Mr Singleton’s private company Ognis Pty Ltd provided $371,987 to former cricketer Nathan Bracken for his campaign in the NSW seat of Dobell and the same amount to former Gosford mayor Lawrie McKinna, who ran in Robertson.

The money went towards advertising, campaign materials and political research.

Mr Bracken received just over eight per cent of the vote in Dobell, with most of his preferences going to the eventual Liberal winner Karen McNamara.

Mr Singleton also provided a $50,000 donation to the NSW Nationals before swinging his support behind the two independents.