North Sydney MP confirms will not run for Senate
“First they will ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” These were the parting words of North Sydney MP Kylea Tink to aspiring Independents during what was likely to be her last sitting of Parliament, on 10 February, before the Federal Election.
Ms Tink’s seat was abolished by the Australian Electoral Committee last year in a redistribution for the House of Representatives in NSW. Ms Tink chose not to run in the Senate or neighbouring Bradfield, which has taken a third of North Sydney voters, as community independent Nicolette Boele had already declared her intention to run again.
During her three years in Parliament, Ms Tink delivered 238 speeches, moved 82 amendments to 19 different pieces of legislation, and tabled three private members’ bills. The former chief executive officer of the McGrath Foundation entered Parliament on a strong platform of reducing climate emissions, fighting the scourge of domestic violence in Australia and improving parliamentary standards.
“As my community’s champion in this place, I’ve done everything I could to ensure our authentic voice was heard here. Not one filtered through a party backroom – but one that has been raw, honest and at times controversial. And that has taken courage.”
The mother of three leaves Parliament as the only woman elected to the seat of North Sydney when she ousted Liberal Trent Zimmerman in 2022. “The community movement in North Sydney showed that a group of committed people, united behind a common idea, can achieve extraordinary things,” she told the Gallery, which included 72 ‘Tink Pink’ supporters.
Doing politics differently was ‘incredibly tough,’ Ms Tink said. “It’s isolating, sometimes overwhelming, and requires courage, conviction and support.’ She thanked the North Sydney community for believing in her and the ‘thousands’ of people who had helped during her time in Parliament.
Ms Tink concluded by issuing a rallying call to fellow and aspiring Independents, telling colleagues like Warringah MP Zali Steggall: “You’ve got this next election – our country needs you – so please hold the line.”
While Ms Tink as yet has no future plans, her spokesperson told NL: “If Kylea is asked by any community independent running in the upcoming Federal Election for help, she will assist.”