On August 8, Gareth Ward’s unexpected resignation from parliament, while serving a prison sentence, prompted a byelection slated for September 13. Premier Chris Minns has endorsed Katelin McInerney, a policy advocate and community figure, as the Labor candidate for the Kiama seat. Minns highlighted McInerney’s commitment to championing the interests of the local community, despite acknowledging the formidable challenge Labour faces in reclaiming this seat.
McInerney had previously contested Kiama in the 2023 election, narrowly losing to Ward by approximately 2,300 votes. Ward, who initially won the seat for the Liberals in 2011, had maintained his position as an independent even amidst legal troubles. Minns commented on the uphill battle ahead for Labor, expressing that their path to victory feels as daunting as climbing Mount Everest, yet he remains cautiously optimistic.
The Liberal Party has backed Shoalhaven City Councillor Serena Copley as their candidate. Copley openly recognises the difficulties ahead, given that the Liberals garnered only 12 per cent of the vote in the last election. Despite the odds, she expressed her determination to campaign vigorously for the people of Kiama, criticising Labor’s failure to meet the needs of regional NSW.
Additionally, local businesswoman Kate Dezarnaulds has declared her intention to run for Kiama as an independent candidate.
Ward’s resignation followed his unsuccessful legal bid to prevent a parliamentary vote on his expulsion, marking the first time such a vote occurred in 107 years. The court had found him guilty of multiple sexual offences against two young men from 2013 and 2015, and he is currently awaiting sentencing for another incident involving a political staffer. While his legal situation prevents him from actively participating in the byelection, he could technically choose to run again if he wished.
Support resources are available for those affected by sexual assault through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).