An independent MP has been criticized for the “political” message she wrote on a wreath she left at a war memorial on Remembrance Day on Saturday.
Kylea Tink, who was part of the ‘Teal’ wave when she was elected to her North Sydney seat in 2022, wrote her name and ‘supporting sustainability’ on the wreath, outraged Australian war veterans.
Ms Tink is known for her passion for tackling climate change, with the Teal MP previously pushing for a ban on gas connections in new homes.
Remembrance Day is held on November 11 each year to honor the soldiers who died defending Australia, with a minute’s silence at 11am.
Bruce Relph, of the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association, strongly disagreed with the message Ms Tink placed on the wreath she left at the war memorial in Lane Cove.
“There should be no other agenda. There is zero tolerance from us. It’s inappropriate, it’s one day of the year. It should not be politicized,” he told the newspaper Sunday Telegraph.
Independent MP Kylea Tink (pictured) has been criticized for the ‘political’ message she wrote on a wreath she left at a war memorial on Remembrance Day on Saturday
“People fell for their country and to make it about something other than the fallen or those who suffered injuries through their service… that’s what it’s all about.”
On her Facebook page, Ms. Tink made no mention of environmental issues, but wrote: “In the silence of memory, we draw strength from the heroes who faced the darkness of war.
“And for me personally, I think about those among my family and friends who have served and those among my friends who continue to serve.
“They remind me that there is always a purpose greater than our own. Their legacy carries extra weight in these challenging times and serves as a reminder of resilience and unity.”
The MP added that people should “honor their sacrifices not only in history but also in the present, and recognize the ongoing conflicts we face today.
“May our collective empathy lead us to a future of peace.”
Mrs Tink wrote her name and ‘supporting sustainability’ on the wreath (pictured), outraged Australian war veterans
However, Graham Walker of the Vietnam Veterans Association said people should not use Remembrance Day for political purposes and that it should just be about honoring the veterans.
“We do not get involved in political issues that are not directly related to the welfare of veterans,” he said.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Ms Tink for comment.
Ms Tink came under fire in August after she called for a ban on gas connections in new homes and then sold a house full of new gas services for more than $6 million.
In a speech on June 21, North Sydney MP Kylea Tink said Australia must “break not only our society’s dependence on gas, but our government’s addiction to gas.”
She called on the federal government to force NSW to follow Victoria in banning gas connections in new households – which NSW Premier Chris Minns ruled out.