{{Short description|Australian politician and charity CEO}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = | name = Kylea Tink | image = Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library 2023 (Tink cropped).png | caption = | office = Member of the Australian Parliament for North Sydney | term_start = 21 May 2022 | term_end = 28 March 2025 | predecessor = Trent Zimmerman | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|09|05|df=yes}} | birth_place = Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = | relatives = | party = Independent | education = | signature = Kylea Tink signature.svg | website = {{official website|https://www.kyleatink.com.au/}} | successor = ''Seat abolished'' }}
'''Kylea Jane Tink''' (pron. {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|aɪ|l|i}}, "Kylie";<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyleatink.com.au/meet_kylea_tink|title=ABOUT KYLEA TINK|last=Tink|first=Kylea|access-date=11 May 2023|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405072101/https://www.kyleatink.com.au/meet_kylea_tink|url-status=live}}</ref> born 5 September 1970) is an Australian former politician who represented the Division of North Sydney from 2022 to 2025. Before entering politics, she had a career in communications and campaigning. She is a former managing director of Edelman Australia, chief executive of the McGrath Foundation and Chief Executive of Camp Quality. She has been described as a teal independent.
==Early life and education== Kylea Jane Tink was born on 5 September 1970,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=300124|title=Ms Kylea Tink MP|website=Parliament of Australia|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220000236/https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=300124|url-status=live}}</ref> in the country New South Wales town of Coonabarabran.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=FAQs|url=https://www.kyleatink.com.au/frequently_asked_questions|access-date=23 February 2022|website=Kylea Tink Independent Limited|language=en|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305171108/https://www.kyleatink.com.au/frequently_asked_questions|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/meet-the-liberal-party-s-latest-problem-a-climate-driven-independent-20210917-p58sjz.html |title=Meet the Liberal Party's latest problem: a climate-driven independent |date=18 September 2021 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |first=Jacqueline |last=Maley |access-date=27 March 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327041045/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/meet-the-liberal-party-s-latest-problem-a-climate-driven-independent-20210917-p58sjz.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
She was educated at Coonabarabran High School, and went on to study at Australian National University.<ref name="afr"/>
== Business career == Tink is a former managing director of Edelman Australia,<ref name="afr.com">{{cite web | last=Patrick | first=Aaron | title=Independent amasses $684,000 for tilt at Zimmerman's Liberal seat | website=Australian Financial Review | date=20 February 2022 | url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/independent-amasses-684-000-for-tilt-at-zimmerman-s-liberal-seat-20220220-p59y1p | access-date=21 April 2023 | url-access=subscription | archive-date=2 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202064227/https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/independent-amasses-684-000-for-tilt-at-zimmerman-s-liberal-seat-20220220-p59y1p | url-status=live }}</ref> the largest public relations firm in the world by revenue.<ref>{{cite web | title=Top 10 | website=PRovoke Media | date=16 May 2022 | url=https://www.provokemedia.com/ranking-and-data/global-pr-agency-rankings/2022-pr-agency-rankings/top-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328022108/https://www.provokemedia.com/ranking-and-data/global-pr-agency-rankings/2022-pr-agency-rankings/top-10 | archive-date=28 March 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=21 April 2023}}</ref>
She worked pro bono as a PR consultant for the McGrath Foundation, after being invited to assist the growing organisation following the death of Jane McGrath.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=27 February 2014 |title=A Fond Farewell From Kylea Tink |url=https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/blog/a-fond-farewell-from-kylea-tink/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=McGrath Foundation |archive-date=12 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312193511/https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/blog/a-fond-farewell-from-kylea-tink/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008 she took up the role of CEO of the foundation, a role she held from until 2014.<ref name=thirdsector/> Tink was one of the people who helped bring about the Pink Test, a cricketing fundraiser that raises awareness and money for the foundation, including significant grants from the government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Providing Cancer Support With a Smile |url=https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/09/providing-cancer-support-smile/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=Pro Bono Australia |language=en-US |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524035028/https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2018/09/providing-cancer-support-smile/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Standing for change with Kylea Tink |url=https://wabisabiseries.com/blogs/podcast/lack-of-leadership-with-kylea-tink |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=Wabi Sabi Series |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525070119/https://wabisabiseries.com/blogs/podcast/lack-of-leadership-with-kylea-tink |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Govt gives $18.5m to McGrath Foundation | website=news | date=5 January 2013 | url=https://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/govt-gives-185m-to-mcgrath-foundation/news-story/584accbb48a6fc78d11a447cfc04733a | access-date=21 April 2023}}</ref> They also managed to gain partnerships beyond cricket, including a partnership with St. George Illawarra Dragons in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St George Illawarra Dragons |url=https://www.jubileeavenue.com.au/news.php?newsid=23515 |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=Jubilee Avenue |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415012530/https://www.jubileeavenue.com.au/news.php?newsid=23515 |url-status=live }}</ref> During her time as CEO the number of breast care nurses in Australia went up from four in 2008 to over 61 in 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=22 March 2011 |title=KFC's Pink Bucket campaign raises over $315k for McGrath Foundation |url=https://qsrmedia.com.au/marketingadvertising/news/kfcs-pink-bucket-campaign-raises-over-315k-mcgrath-foundation |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=QSR Media Australia |language=en |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815074523/https://qsrmedia.com.au/marketingadvertising/news/kfcs-pink-bucket-campaign-raises-over-315k-mcgrath-foundation |url-status=live }}</ref> and over 100 by the time she left the charity in 2014.<ref name=":1" />
Tink was appointed CEO of Camp Quality in 2016, starting in the role in 2017.<ref name=thirdsector>{{cite web | last=Blacher | first=Gali | title=CEO of Camp Quality steps down | website=Third Sector | date=7 December 2016 | url=https://thirdsector.com.au/75483-2/ | access-date=21 April 2023 | archive-date=21 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421083658/https://www.thirdsector.com.au/amp/75483-2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Under her leadership, the charity saw changes in their structure, including starting a Kids Impacted by a Carers Cancer (KICC) Camp, for children of parents diagnosed with cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2019 |title=Ground-breaking camps for kids whose parent has cancer |url=https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/ground-breaking-camps-for-kids-whose-parent-has-cancer/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=The National Tribune (Australia) |language=en-AU |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015205456/https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/ground-breaking-camps-for-kids-whose-parent-has-cancer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Political career== North Sydney's Independent launched in June 2021, putting out a public call for candidates to unseat Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman.<ref name="Saville2022">{{cite book |last1=Saville |first1=Margot |title=The Teal Revolution |date=2022 |publisher=Hardie Grant Books |isbn=978 1 74379 930 7 |pages=28–29}}</ref> Tink's name was one of the prospects put forward, and was interviewed by the group in "walking meetings" around parks in the area, due to the limitations of the COVID-19 lockdowns at the time.<ref name="Saville2022" /> Tink declared her candidacy for North Sydney on 18 September 2021, having been selected by North Sydney's Independent and naming action on climate change as a key issue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maley |first1=Jacqueline |title=Meet the Liberal Party's latest problem: a climate-driven independent |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/meet-the-liberal-party-s-latest-problem-a-climate-driven-independent-20210917-p58sjz.html |access-date=4 October 2025 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004010704/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/meet-the-liberal-party-s-latest-problem-a-climate-driven-independent-20210917-p58sjz.html |archive-date=4 October 2025 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> Tink won the seat at the 2022 federal election, defeating Zimmerman 53–47 percent after preferences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2022 |title=North Sydney, NSW - AEC Tally Room |url=https://results.aec.gov.au/27966/Website/HouseDivisionPage-27966-137.htm |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Australian Electoral Commission}}</ref>
Along with other independent politicians who won seats in the election, Tink was described as a teal independent.<ref name="afr">{{cite news |author=Tom McIlroy |agency= |title=This high-profile teal MP wanted to be Doris Day |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/this-high-profile-teal-mp-wanted-to-be-doris-day-20221119-p5bzms |quote= |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |date=2023-01-13 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327041835/https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/this-high-profile-teal-mp-wanted-to-be-doris-day-20221119-p5bzms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Catie McLeod |agency= |title=Independent MP Kylea Tink's surprise in first speech to parliament |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/independent-mp-kylea-tinks-surprise-in-first-speech-to-parliament/news-story/79a27ef20be6b5ebbe1de32bc41c3213 |quote= |newspaper=news.com.au |date=2022-07-22 |access-date=2023-03-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Michael Koziol |agency= |title=Teal independent MP Kylea Tink sells fossil fuel and motorway shares |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/teal-independent-mp-kylea-tink-sells-fossil-fuel-and-motorway-shares-20220916-p5bilb.html |quote= |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |date=2022-09-16 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327042223/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/teal-independent-mp-kylea-tink-sells-fossil-fuel-and-motorway-shares-20220916-p5bilb.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Gabrielle Chan |agency= |title=Teal independents join farmers in Liverpool Plains to oppose Santos gas development |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/23/teal-independents-join-farmers-in-liverpool-plains-to-oppose-santos-gas-development |quote= |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2023-02-23 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327043427/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/23/teal-independents-join-farmers-in-liverpool-plains-to-oppose-santos-gas-development |url-status=live }}</ref> However, her colour of choice for campaigning is pink.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sam Hawley and Stephen Smiley |agency= |title=Who are the 'teal independents'? Your questions answered about the candidates fighting for some of Australia's wealthiest electorates |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-20/teal-independents-who-are-candidates-what-electorates/101000412 |quote= |newspaper=ABC News Australia |date=2022-05-21 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331164130/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-20/teal-independents-who-are-candidates-what-electorates/101000412 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The main focus of Tink's campaign was climate policy and equality in society.<ref>{{cite web | last=McIlroy | first=Tom | title=Independents vow to tap climate angst to destabilise sitting Liberal MPs including Angus Taylor, Trent Zimmerman and Dave Sharma | website=Australian Financial Review | date=15 November 2021 | url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/independents-vow-to-tap-climate-angst-to-destabilise-incumbents-20211115-p598y4 | access-date=21 April 2023 | url-access=subscription | archive-date=3 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203135638/https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/independents-vow-to-tap-climate-angst-to-destabilise-incumbents-20211115-p598y4 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 August 2022, it was publicly revealed by the media that she was a shareholder of two energy companies. Viva Energy Group, which among other things refines oil for Shell in Australia and owns Geelong Oil Refinery, and Beach Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production firm. This was brought to light after Tink published her declaration of interests, a requirement of all MPs.<ref>{{cite web | title=Register of Members' Interests – 47th Parliament | website=Parliament of Australia | date=17 May 2022 | url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members/Register | ref={{sfnref | Home – Parliament of Australia | 2022}} | access-date=21 April 2023 | archive-date=7 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507155559/https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members/Register | url-status=live }}</ref> Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticised Tink's ownership of shares in energy companies, given her advocacy on climate change.<ref>{{cite news |author=Tyrone Clarke |agency= |title=Peter Dutton calls out teal independent MP Kylea Tink over 'hypocritical' investments in fossil fuel companies |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/peter-dutton-calls-out-teal-independent-mp-kylea-tink-over-hypocritical-investments-in-fossil-fuel-companies/news-story/5e442ecea6faeeda081f3f0701c46f94 |quote= |newspaper=Sky News Australia |date=2022-08-31 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327042532/https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/peter-dutton-calls-out-teal-independent-mp-kylea-tink-over-hypocritical-investments-in-fossil-fuel-companies/news-story/5e442ecea6faeeda081f3f0701c46f94 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2022, Tink tabled her first private members bill advocating for cleaner, cheaper fuel,<ref>{{cite web | title=Week 30: My plan for cleaner, cheaper transport | website=Kylea Tink Independent Limited | date=1 August 2018 | url=https://www.kyleatink.com.au/week_30 | access-date=21 April 2023 | archive-date=21 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421084904/https://www.kyleatink.com.au/week_30 | url-status=live }}</ref> the Fuel and Vehicle Standards Legislation Amendment (Reducing Vehicle Pollution) Bill 2022.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fuel and Vehicle Standards Legislation Amendment (Reducing Vehicle Pollution) Bill 2022 | website=Parliament of Australia | date=28 November 2022 | url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6948 | access-date=21 April 2023 | archive-date=21 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421084903/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6948 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Tink supports a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament and supported the "Yes" vote in the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.<ref>{{cite web| title=Teal backs voice, even if it fails referendum| website=The Australian| date=20 January 2023| first=Sarah| last=Iveson| url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/teal-backs-voice-even-if-it-fails/news-story/68d76aaa3a8ed5a36b23ae1244f38ca3| access-date=19 April 2023| url-access=subscription| archive-date=19 April 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419114857/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/teal-backs-voice-even-if-it-fails/news-story/68d76aaa3a8ed5a36b23ae1244f38ca3| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=everyparty>{{cite web |title=Every party's stance on the Voice to Parliament - and those who have split on the issue |url=https://www.6newsau.com/post/every-party-s-stance-on-the-voice-to-parliament-and-those-who-have-split-on-the-issue |publisher=6 News Australia |access-date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419051602/https://www.6newsau.com/post/every-party-s-stance-on-the-voice-to-parliament-and-those-who-have-split-on-the-issue |url-status=live }}</ref>
In September 2024, the Australian Electoral Commission announced the abolition of Tink's seat of North Sydney, with its electorate spread across the divisions of Bradfield, Warringah and Bennelong.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Josh |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=2024-09-12 |title=Teal independent Kylea Tink considers options after seat abolished by AEC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/12/kylea-tink-teal-independent-aec-north-sydney-seat |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Though Tink initially did not rule out running for one of the divisions or for the Senate in the 2025 Australian federal election, she announced on 7 December 2024 that she would not run for the House of Representatives, instead endorsing independents Nicolette Boele for Bradfield and Zali Steggall for Warringah.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/independent-mp-kylea-tink-to-step-down-at-the-2025-election-after-aec-abolished-her-seat-of-north-sydney/news-story/291b7f60c35ac7934d9983eb8ad5c67f |title=Independent MP Kylea Tink to step down at the 2025 election after AEC abolished her seat of North Sydney |last=Kirk |first=Emma |newspaper=The Australian |date=7 December 2024 |access-date=19 April 2025}}</ref> In February 2025, Tink confirmed she would not run for the Senate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Tink delivers valedictory speech, rules out Senate run - North Sydney Sun |url=https://northsydneysun.com.au/community-politics/tink-delivers-valedictory-speech-rules-out-senate-run/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
== Personal life == Tink lives in Northbridge on the North Shore of Sydney and is a mother of three.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Kylea|url=https://www.kyleatink.com.au/meet_kylea_tink|access-date=23 February 2022|website=Kylea Tink Independent Limited|language=en|archive-date=23 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223094041/https://www.kyleatink.com.au/meet_kylea_tink|url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also== *Voices groups in Australia
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://www.kyleatink.com.au Official website]
{{s-start}} {{s-par|au}} {{s-bef|before=Trent Zimmerman}} {{s-ttl|title=Member for North Sydney|years=2022–2025}} {{s-non|reason=Abolished}} {{s-end}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tink, Kylea}} Category:Living people Category:People from Coonabarabran Category:People from the North Shore (Sydney) Category:Independent politicians in Australia Category:21st-century Australian women politicians Category:Australian businesswomen Category:Women members of the Australian House of Representatives Category:Members of the Australian House of Representatives Category:1970 births Category:Australian chief executives Category:Australian MPs 2022–2025