Independent candidate for Kiama says Gareth Ward was ‘energetic, hard-working and clever’
An independent Kiama by-election candidate has sparked controversy by defending the professional record of her disgraced predecessor despite his rape conviction.
A teal-style candidate running for Kiama is invoking disgraced former MP Gareth Ward in her election pitch, urging voters to “keep Kiama independent”.
Kate Dezarnaulds sensationally praised the convicted rapist as a “very energetic, hard-working, articulate, (and) clever” MP who was a “strong local voice” for the electorate.
“People loved how responsive, how available, how hard-working he was,” Ms Dezarnaulds told The Daily Telegraph.
On the sidelines of a pre-poll booth in Albion Park, Ms Dezarnaulds said Kiama locals were “still trying to process” Mr Ward’s conviction.
“Both things can be true at the same time — somebody can have made a terrible mistake in their private life but have been a very hard-working member,” she said.
She said Ward’s supporters were having a “really difficult” time reconciling his rape conviction with his work in the community.
Ms Dezarnaulds has previously clashed with Ward, declaring in 2023 she was “ashamed” Kiama had re-elected the MP who was, at the time, facing sexual assault charges.
Ward’s lawyers threatened Ms Dezarnaulds with legal action over the LinkedIn post.
However, the independent candidate conceded voters “loved” the jailed rapist’s work ethic.
“People really appreciated that if they called with a problem, (he would) connect people with resources and solutions,” she said.
“I take that as a really clear indication that people are ready for an independent again, and really value having a responsive, hard-working local member.”
Ms Dezarnaulds was the only candidate willing to speak openly about the former member when The Telegraph visited on Wednesday.
Labor’s second-time candidate Katelin McInerney is the overwhelming favourite to win Saturday’s poll.
Ms McInerney said she would push for more infrastructure spending in Kiama, to support growing populations, including in Albion Park.
Kiama voters told The Telegraph upgrades for local roads were one of their main concerns ahead of the by-election.
Liberal candidate Serena Copley also called for more infrastructure to support higher density housing.
“I have great concerns about fast growth, which is not good growth,” she said.
“We need to see the schools, the hospitals, supporting infrastructure coming with any housing growth.”
