Voters in Kiama will encounter a highly competitive landscape in the upcoming by-election on March 16, 2024, following the unexpected resignation of former member Gareth Ward. The election not only represents a crucial moment for the Labor and Liberal parties but also poses significant implications for the political dynamics in New South Wales.
Gareth Ward, who held the Kiama seat since 2011, stepped down after being convicted of assaulting two younger men. His departure opens the field to a total of thirteen candidates, including representatives from both major parties, the Greens, and an independent supported by Climate 200. The political stakes are notably high, as Labor seeks to enhance its influence in the NSW parliament, while the Liberal Party grapples with potential leadership challenges.
Labor aims to secure a victory that would strengthen its control over the southern coastal region, extending from the northern Illawarra to the Victorian border. A win in Kiama would further solidify their position, given that the party has already established a robust presence in the area. Conversely, failure for the NSW Liberals could lead to serious questions about the leadership of Mark Speakman, who has publicly stated he is focused on representing the interests of the people in NSW rather than worrying about his position.
Underdogs and Leadership Tensions
In a press briefing, Speakman expressed confidence, asserting that he “sleeps comfortably” regarding the possibility of a leadership spill. He emphasized the need to present the Liberals as underdogs in this race and urged voters not to “reward Labor for its neglect.” His candidate in the by-election, Serena Copley, shares this sentiment, reinforcing the party’s commitment to the community.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the competitive nature of the election, indicating that the outcome is “going to be close.” His candidate, Katelin McInerney, narrowly lost to Ward in the previous election, making this contest particularly significant for the party. Yet, some independent candidates like Kate Dezarnaulds remain skeptical about the Liberal Party’s chances, expressing confidence that Labor will likely secure a win. Dezarnaulds noted the potential implications of a Labor-dominated landscape, suggesting it could stifle diverse political representation.
She stated, “That’s going to mean that we have wall-to-wall Labor at a federal and state level south of Sydney,” highlighting concerns about the lack of competition in local governance and attributing this to the current state of the Liberal Party.
Voter Sentiment and Community Impact
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, many are reflecting on Ward’s legacy. Some, like local resident Bronwen Carr, expressed anger at Ward’s actions and called for stricter regulations to prevent candidates with serious allegations from running for office. Carr, who voted for the Greens, emphasized the need for accountability and environmental responsibility.
“I put Greens first because Labor needs a boot on environmental issues,” she remarked, underscoring her desire for a more robust ecological policy, particularly in light of the recently announced Great Koala National Park.
Another voter, Susie, shared a different perspective, mentioning that Ward had been an effective member for the community, expressing hope that the new candidates can meet the expectations set by their predecessor.
The Kiama by-election represents not just a contest among various political entities but also a reflection of evolving voter priorities and sentiments in the region. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the turnout and the potential shifts in the political landscape.
