NSW election: Kiama MP Gareth Ward blasts ‘politically motivated’ attacks as seat remains in play

The seat of Kiama remains up for grabs – despite Labor roaring into power across the state – with sitting independent Gareth Ward calling out his critics in an address to loyalists.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward with his mother, two brothers, sister-in-law and nephew and niece on election night. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Defiant Member for Kiama Gareth Ward is not prepared to hand over his title, as he lambasted his naysayers for “politically motivated” smear throughout the campaign.

The key south coast seat hangs in the balance with Mr Ward’s 12 per cent grip withered away by a statewide red wave and noise surrounding historical sexual assault charges pressed against him in 2022.

Mr Ward, who was ousted from the Liberal Party after the allegations emerged, has strongly denied the accusations with the matter still before the courts.

“Being a member of parliament isn’t an easy job,” the independent told loyalists at Bomaderry Bowling Club shortly after outgoing Premier Dominic Perrottet acknowledged the Coalition would not be able to form government.

“For me over the last few years it’s been particularly tough and I look forward to dealing with those matters when I’m given the opportunity.

“Don’t think that they weren’t politically motivated, because they are and there’s some people that are behind it that are going to be perhaps enjoying themselves tonight. But I have one message for them – we are not done yet.

“They would have thought tonight we were going to get wiped off the political map. They thought they were going to be wiping their feet on me.”

Kiama MP Gareth Ward told supporters his rivals “thought they were going to wipe their feet” on him. Picture: Dylan Arvela

NewsLocal spoke with voters leaving the polling station at the Kiama Uniting Church on election day with a majority supporting the incumbent despite the allegations levelled against him.

“I think Gareth Ward will be re-elected,” long-time Kiama resident David Andriske.

“He has a fairly good history in the area apart from his side issue that he has to deal with because that‘s a part of the legal process. You have to assume someone is innocent until they’re proven otherwise.

“Maybe it will matter for some younger people who are probably more reactive, but I don‘t think most people will worry about it. People are more worried about the bigger issues around health and the general cost of living.”

Kiama resident David Andriske said MP Gareth Ward had his vote. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Others, who did not wish to be named, described Mr Ward as a “hardworking member” and said the legal matters were “unfortunate”, but “everyone is innocent till proven guilty”.

The incumbent did not have the support of Kiama residents Brendon and Karen, who said they “didn‘t have any respect for the man”.

With a little more than 40 per cent of the vote count, Labor hopeful Katelin McInerney is ahead on by 622 votes on two-candidate preferred despite Mr Ward polling 936 more first-preference votes.

“I’m not conceding a single inch,” Mr Ward said.

“I think we’re still in this. Would I have liked to have been in a better position? Absolutely. But is it something that isn’t salvageable? No.

“I think we can still win this because of the postal votes and because of pre-polls that generally favour us. So I’m very optimistic. It’s still a tough position.”

Around 45 per cent of voters in Kiama cast their ballot via the post or pre-poll.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward (left) campaigning at Mount Terry Public School as Labor candidate Katelin McInerney turns up to vote with partner Brian Fearnley and son William. Picture: Jane Dempster

Kiama is the only coastal seat south of Sydney yet to go to Labor with Mr Ward’s neighbouring electorate of South Coast seeing a red landslide take out Liberal candidate Luke Sikora, who was looking to carry on after the 20-year reign on Shelley Hancock.

With nearly half the vote counted in South Coast, Labor’s Liza Butler recorded a 13.9 per cent swing in her favour.

“I want to pay a special tribute to Shelley Hancock,” Mr Ward said.

“Shelley finished her parliamentary term. She’s been a great friend of mine. I’m really sorry that the result in South Coast wasn’t what I was certainly hoping for – even though I’m an independent.

“I certainly would have wanted a much better result for Luke and I am sorry that wasn’t the case.

“There’s a lot of very good people who lost their seat tonight and I’m really sorry that they have. We’re not in that position. I’m not standing up here and saying it’s over because it’s not over till it’s over.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward paid tribute to "great friend" Shelley Hancock who retired after 20 years as the Member for South Coast. Picture: Facebook

“It’s been a good night for Labor and I congratulate Chris Minns on what appears to be a Labor election victory and it’s going to be very interesting to see whether or not all of the talk translates into outcomes – I am very sceptical about that.”

Mr Ward said he had 160 people manning booths across the electorate and thanked their support as well as his family with his mother, Margaret, and two brothers, Scott and Arthur.

“We all have special people in our lives and for me, mum has always encouraged me to do everything I could that I wanted to do to reach my full potential,” Mr Ward said as his niece and nephew scampered around the room.

“She has always supported me through every aspect of my life, every part of every journey. She‘s been there and she’s been supportive. I love you so much and thank you for your support.

“I want to thank my two brothers Scott and Arthur. They didn’t volunteer, they were conscripted to be involved in politics and I’m very grateful to both of them. Depending on the result I might be able to do some more childminding.”