‘Bring it on’: Outspoken MP Gareth Ward declares he will run as an independent in Kiama

Ex-Liberal Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has confirmed he will fight it out in next month‘s state election as an independent.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has announced he will recontest his seat as an independent. Picture: Jonathan Ng

With three words, outspoken MP Gareth Ward has ended months of speculation about his political future – “bring it on”.

The Member for Kiama said there was much more for him to do when announcing on Friday he would run as an independent in the March 25 State Election.

Mr Ward ripped the seat away from Labor in 2011, when the then-Liberal overcame former Police Minister Matt Brown.

As Mr Ward’s profile grew, so did his grasp on the electorate that he retained for the Coalition in 2019 by an increased margin of 12 per cent.

With that success, Mr Ward, who has albinism and is legally blind, was rewarded with the Families, Communities and Disability Services portfolio.

However, he also courted controversy after he resigned from his portfolio and moved to the crossbench in May, 2021, after disclosing he was subject to a child abuse inquiry.

In March, last year, Mr Ward was charged with indecently assaulting a 17-year-old in 2013 and sexually abusing a 27-year-old man in 2015.

Gareth Ward said there is “much more” work to be done in Kiama. Picture: Tim Hunter

The charges led to Mr Ward being barred from sitting in parliament with the suspension to remain in place until the current term expires in early March.

Mr Ward has strongly denied the allegations while advocating for the “fairness and due process” and the “presumption of innocence”.

“I acknowledge my current circumstances which have been well publicised,” Mr Ward said.

“I passionately believe in fairness and due process. Whilst some commentators believe the presumption of innocence is an optional extra, it isn’t.

“It’s a human right and fundamental to our system of justice.

“Some in the media have shifted the balance too far. I’m determined to correct this imbalance and I know my experience will eventually serve as a reminder of why a person is innocent until proven otherwise.”

Mr Ward said he was “proud” of what he has delivered for the electorate spanning from Shellharbour to the Shoalhaven River.

“Since becoming the Member for Kiama, I have secured more than $3 billion for projects right across our region,” he said.

“From the Albion Park Rail Bypass to the Jervis Bay Road Interchange; so many people said these projects simply wouldn’t happen, but when I make a promise to our community, I always get it done.

“I’m proud of my record and I am determined to ensure our community is never taken for granted.

“Whatever the outcome of this election, the people always get it right.”

Labor Kiama candidate Katelin McInerney. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Former UAP candidate Benjamin Britton. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Mr Ward will go head-to-head with Labor pick Katelin McInerney, a seasoned unionist who spent more than a decade with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

Speaking to NewsLocal in January, Ms McInerney said the allegations hanging over Mr Ward’s head were “a distraction” for the government.

The Liberal Party’s nomination process closed on Friday with army veteran and former UAP candidate Benjamin Britton throwing his hat in the ring.

Mr Britton ran for Clive Palmer’s party in the Illawarra seat of Cunningham in last year’s federal election where he polled less than five per cent of the vote.