Teal MP blames noisy RSL club for ‘talking’ during Ode of Remembrance

Teal MP Sophie Scamps has been called “disrespectful” for talking through - and not standing during - an Ode of Remembrance at her local RSL club.

Teal MP Sophie Scamps has blamed a “noisy” RSL club for continuing to talk and not standing up during the start of a Ode of Remembrance.

The Mackellar member copped criticism on social media on Sunday night after some members and guests at the Forestville RSL Club claimed she had been “disrespectful” during the Ode, and hadn’t followed protocol.

But Dr Scamps told The Daily Telegraph she didn’t realise the Ode had started, and stood up immediately to pay her respects when she was alerted.

Dr Scamps and a group of her supporters were among hundreds of people at the Club following a commemorative service ahead of Anzac Day.

One local man, Ian Shaw, posted a comment on social media calling Dr Scamps “disrespectful”.

Independent MP for MacKellar Dr Sophie Scamps and Zali Steggall pictured at the Forestville RSL Club Anzac Day ceremony on Sunday April 13. Picture: Facebook

“Sophie Scamps and her Mackellar supporters at the RSL tonight, at 6pm, sitting and talking through at least half the Ode to (sic) Remembrance. Totally disrespectful. I witnessed it,” Mr Shaw wrote on social media.

Social media posts from MacKellar MP Sophie Scamps, who was seen talking through The Ode at an Anzac Day service at Forestville RSL sparking complaints from locals.

Sophie Scamps is yet to respond to the incident. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Another person wrote in a Forestville community group: “Very sad to see the local MP and cohorts talking and laughing their way through the 6pm Remembrance service at Forestville RSL. Shame shame shame. Lest we forget,” the unnamed person said.

But Dr Scamps claims “noise in the club” meant that some people in her group did not hear the start of the Ode.

“I was honoured to spend Sunday afternoon at the Forestville RSL Club, for a beautiful ceremony commemorating Anzac Day,” Dr Scamps said.

“After the ceremony, I was met at the Club by some of my volunteers who had spent their Sunday talking to locals in the area. Because of the noise in the club, some in the group did not instantly hear the beginning of the 6pm Ode and missed the start but rose promptly and respectfully as soon as they realised.

“The Ode is an important tradition which our group was honoured to join.”

Dr Scamps was pictured earlier in the day at the Club’s march and commemorative service, along with Warringah MP Zali Steggall.

According to the RSL Australia, there are protocols that must be followed for Remembrance Day services.

Social media posts from MacKellar MP Sophie Scamps, who was seen talking through The Ode at an Anzac Day service at Forestville RSL sparking complaints from locals.

“When the Ode is recited at a commemorative service, visitors should stand, remove headwear and refrain from talking.”

Forestville RSL Club CEO Ian Thomson said the issue needed to be raised with Dr Scamps.

“It’s a matter for her office and our RSL sub branch. We have no formal report on the matter,” Mr Thomson said.