Mark who? Kiama voters clueless about who Mark Speakman is

With a by-election just days away in the South Coast seat of Kiama spurred from a historic District Court trial, we hit the streets to test how well locals knew NSW political leaders. Watch the results.

With a by-election just days away in the South Coast seat of Kiama spurred from a historic District Court trial, we hit the streets to test how well locals knew NSW political leaders premier Chris Minns and opposition leader Mark Speakman.

The answer: not very.

Of 109 residents polled, 69 recognised Mr Minns — premier since March 2023 — but did not know Mr Speakman, who became opposition leader in April 2023. Fifteen knew both, while 25 knew neither.

Interestingly, some Kiama locals didn’t even realise an election was happening.

“We have to vote?” Billie Rutherford asked.

Billie Rutherford and Jack McMahon were unable to recognise a picture of Chris Minns and Mark Speakman. They also did not know an election was happening. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Others offered colourful takes, like friends Kyesha Williamson and Paige Wallace, who likened Mr Minns appearance to that of Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movies.

Chris Dhiacou knew both men’s roles and could identify Mr Minns perfectly, but forgot Mr Speakman’s name.

Chris Dhiacou was able to recognise a picture of Chris Minns, but couldn’t remember Mark Speakman’s name. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“Yeah, he’s got a bit of a … uh, yeah, I’m not sure,” he said.

Sue Findlay also knew Mr Speakman was NSW opposition leader, but also stumbled on his name.

“He’s the opposition leader, Spankman, Spickman,” she guessed.

“Speakman!”

Sue Findlay Heather Findlay and Peter Findlay were able to recognise a picture of Chris Minns and Mark Speakman. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Peter and Genevieve Frederiksen knew it was Mark Speakman because of his ears. Picture: Thomas Lisson

For Peter Frederiksen, a certain detail on Mr Speakman’s head made him easy to identify.

“Mark Speakman – you’d know those ears anywhere,” he said.

The poll comes ahead of Saturday’s vote, triggered after former Liberal-turned-independent MP Gareth Ward was convicted in the District Court.

Ward, who held Kiama since 2011 and was re-elected in 2023 despite his court case, was found guilty of three indecent assaults and one count of sexual intercourse without consent against two younger men.

He will be sentenced later this month but has announced plans to appeal.

Kyesha Williamson and Paige Wallace did not recognise a picture of Chris Mines and Mark Speakman. Picture: Thomas Lisson

More than a dozen candidates are now battling for the seat.

Mr Speakman and the Liberals have put forward former Shoalhaven councillor Serena Copley, while Mr Minns and Labor are backing journalist Katelin McInerney, who lost to Ward in 2023 by just 689 votes.

Pre polling has commenced in Kiama. Picture Thomas Lisson

Mr Minns has cast Labor as “underdogs”.

“This will be a tough seat for Labor to win — but Katelin knows her community, she understands their priorities, and she will work tirelessly to deliver for them,” he said.

Kiama heads to the polls on Saturday.

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