The seat of Kiama is set for a by-election following the removal of Gareth Ward, who was convicted of rape. Candidates from Labor, Liberal, and independent backgrounds are vying for the seat, with both major parties positioning themselves as underdogs.

Kiama

The electorate of Kiama is preparing for a by-election after Gareth Ward, who held the seat for 14 years, was removed following his conviction for rape. All references to Ward have been taken down as the campaign to replace him begins. Labor's Caitlin McInerney, who narrowly lost to Ward in the previous election, is running again with a focus on education and healthcare. The Liberal Party is expected to nominate former councillor Serena Copley, while independent candidate Kate Dezano is also contesting, aiming to appeal to voters seeking an alternative to the major parties.

Both Labor and Liberal parties are describing themselves as underdogs in the contest, which comes less than two years before the next state election. The outcome may hinge on the more than 20,000 voters who previously supported Ward as an independent, with questions remaining about where their support will go in the upcoming by-election.

Kiama prepares for by-election after Gareth Ward's conviction

Ward's name is gone from his office of 14 years, all references to the now convicted rapist removed, as the campaign to replace him begins. We're nervous about the by-election but we're also determined to fight for every single vote. Journalist Caitlin McInerney is recontesting for Labor, having narrowly lost to Ward by 700 odd votes in 2023. The people of Kiama have had uncertainty. What people are telling me they want is a strong voice. She'll campaign on investments in education and health care. With only 19 months until the next full state election, the Premier says it could be a sort of taste test. You try before you buy, give Caitlin a go. Kiama was a Labor seat for 30 years before Ward won it for the Liberals in the statewide landslide of 2011. He then increased his margin in 2015 and 19 before successfully holding it as an independent, despite facing serious sex charges. Both major parties are claiming the underdog status. It will be an incredible task to win this by-election but we are not frightened of a fight. The Liberals are expected to name former councillor Serena Copley as their candidate. This contest may be framed as a fight for the future but make no mistake, the ghost of Gareth Ward will loom large. Two years ago there were more than 20,000 people who didn't vote Labor, didn't vote Liberal. They put Ward as their number one preference. The question now, where will those votes go? Berry's small business owner Kate Dezano hopes her way. Look I am the sensible centre alternative. Running as a community independent and hoping to join a growing crossbench in Parliament. Polling day is September 13. Lachlan Kennedy, 10 News.

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