But he stopped short of saying Deves should be removed as the candidate.
“I’m pleased she apologised and would encourage her to sit down and work with the trans community and their families to get a better understanding of how these kinds of comments can impact them,” Zimmerman toldThe Sydney MorningHerald.
Asked whether Deves should remain the candidate,the North Sydney MP said “she will be the candidate”.
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“I express my views within the party,I won’t discuss those views outside.”
But Tink,one of the so-called “climate independents” seeking to oust Liberals in blue-ribbon seats,criticised Zimmerman for not condemning Deves,whose graphic tweets on the “mutilation” of trans people have drawn condemnation.
The climate independent candidates,who receive some funding from Climate 200,a non-profit group led by Simon Holmes a Court,are all running on a moderate,small-L liberal agenda,which is generally progressive on social issues such as the inclusion of trans people.