The upcoming by-election in Kiama will see a diverse range of candidates vying for electoral support following the unexpected exit of former Member of Parliament Gareth Ward. The by-election, set for March 15, 2024, has drawn interest from multiple parties, including the Labor Party, the Liberal Party, the Greens, and other independent candidates. This electoral contest has significant implications for both major parties as they navigate the fallout from Ward’s recent conviction for assaulting two younger men.
Ward, who represented Kiama since 2011 and served as a minister in the Liberal government, is due to face sentencing shortly, marking a dramatic end to his political career. His departure has created an opportunity for other candidates to claim the seat on the New South Wales south coast. The crowded ballot will include over a dozen candidates, with prominent figures such as Katelin McInerney representing Labor and Serena Copley for the Liberals.
The by-election holds strategic importance for both major parties. A victory for Labor would solidify its presence in the region, extending control from the northern Illawarra to the Victorian border. Conversely, a loss for the Liberals could raise concerns about leadership stability. Liberal leader Mark Speakman expressed confidence in his position, stating he “sleeps comfortably” despite the looming threat of a leadership spill should the party fail to secure the seat.
Voter Sentiment and Candidate Dynamics
Political dynamics in Kiama reflect a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism among voters. Speakman has portrayed his party as underdogs, urging constituents not to “reward Labor for its neglect.” Meanwhile, Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, acknowledged that the contest will be close, especially considering McInerney’s narrow defeat to Ward in the last election.
Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds, previously backed by Climate 200, expressed confidence that Labor would win. She highlighted the potential consequences of a dominant Labor presence, suggesting it could diminish democratic representation in the region. Dezarnaulds remarked, “That is the result of a Liberal Party in disarray and an incredibly muscular Labor Party machine that has thrown absolutely everything at this to win it.”
The sentiment among voters is mixed, with some expressing loyalty to Ward despite his recent legal troubles. Voter Bronwen Carr, who cast her ballot at the Kiama Uniting Church, voiced her anger over Ward’s actions and called for stricter regulations regarding candidates facing serious charges. Carr chose to support the Greens, emphasizing the need for environmental advocacy in light of recent policies.
Another voter, known as Susie, reflected positively on Ward’s tenure, acknowledging the pressure on new candidates to meet community expectations. “It’s good to see that there’s a lot of people running for the position,” she said, underscoring the competitive nature of the election.
The Road Ahead for Candidates
As voters prepare for the by-election, the candidates are actively campaigning, distributing how-to-vote cards and engaging with the community. With such a wide array of candidates, the election presents a pivotal opportunity for local constituents to express their preferences following a turbulent political period.
The impact of Gareth Ward’s legacy looms large over this election, as candidates strive to differentiate themselves while navigating the complexities of voter sentiment. The outcome of the Kiama by-election will likely shape the political landscape in New South Wales, making it a focal point for both state and national observers.
As the campaign intensifies leading up to March 15, all eyes will be on Kiama to see how this electoral contest unfolds and what it means for the future of both the Labor and Liberal parties in the region.
