Teal MP Kylea Tink apologises for Remembrance Day gaffe

Teal Independent Kylea Tink has been forced to apologise after an embarrassing Remembrance Day blunder.

Teal Independent Kylea Tink has been forced to apologise after an embarrassing Remembrance Day blunder.

Ms Tink’s staff visited the Lane Cove war memorial on Saturday on her behalf and placed a wreath along with dozens of others to mark Remembrance Day.

But close up shots of her wreath show she signed it “Kylea Tink Supporting Sustainability”.

After criticism that she was “diverting attention” away form the occasion, Ms Tink clarified the message on the wreath was an “honest mistake”.

“The note left on a Remembrance wreath in Lane Cove was the result of a miscommunication between the florist and a staff member who arranged the order,” she wrote in response to criticism on social media.

“The note was intended to be an instruction, placed below the wreath, to dispose of the biodegradable wreath sustainably. It was an honest mistake and certainly not a message that was authorised in any way by me.

Kylea Tink’s wreath at the Lane Cove War Memorial talking about sustainability. Teal MP Kylea Tink laid a wreath at Lane Cove War Memorial with a caption saying "sustainability" on Remembrance Day.

“I unreservedly apologise to anyone who was understandably confused or upset when seeing the image of the card placed on the wreath. Like many Australians with family and friends who have proudly served our nation, Remembrance Day is an important moment for me and I would never seek to politicise it.”

Vietnam Veterans Association spokesman Graham Walker said his organisation does not get involved in politics but urged others to not use the occasion for political reasons.

“We do not get involved in political issues that are not directly related to veterans welfare,” he said.

“We believe that Remembrance Day should not be used for political purposes.”

Kylea Tink MP inside her office at parliament house Canberra. Pictures: Martin Ollman

Former NSW Veterans Minister and veteran David Elliott echoed the comments.

“It’s disappointing to see anyone unnecessarily divert attention away from the importance of Remembrance Day.”

On her Remembrance Day post, Ms Tink wrote: “In the silence of remembrance, we draw strength from the heroes who faced the darkness of war. And for me personally I think of those among my family & friends who have served & those serving still. They remind me that there is always a purpose greater than our singularity.”

Ms Tink has been contacted for a comment.