Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now

In 2023, nearly a year after being charged with three counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual intercourse without consent, and one charge of common assault, Kiama MP Gareth Ward stunned the NSW political establishment by holding on to his seat at the state election.

Now, after Ward was found guilty on Friday of serious sexual offences involving two young men, the community that decided to give the former Liberal minister the benefit of the doubt has declared he must resign.

Kiama resident Tristan Lazare says MP Gareth Ward’s crimes have hurt people and left scars that will “last a lifetime”.Credit: Janie Barrett

“The court has made its decision and proven that he’s guilty,” retiree Tristan Lazare said on Tuesday. “He’s hurt people. Those scars will last a lifetime.”

The 75-year-old’s comments were echoed in more emphatic terms by teacher Alecia Zoccoli.

“He absolutely should resign,” she said. “Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn’t be a member of parliament.”

Ward, elected in 2011, has so far refused to quit despite pressure from Premier Chris Minns and Liberal leader Mark Speakman to go.

Kiama locals Liz Markowski and Judy Cork say Ward’s victims have been forgotten, and the MP should accept his fate and step down.Credit: Janie Barrett

Under the NSW parliament’s Constitution, an MP convicted of a crime punishable with a prison term of more than five years will have their seat vacated, although the process will be put on hold pending an appeal.

Ward will almost certainly be expelled, potentially as soon as early next week, after the government and opposition indicated they would support a motion to do so. On Wednesday, the Crown will seek a detention application, potentially putting Ward behind bars.

The MP’s electorate office on Shoalhaven Street, the main thoroughfare of Kiama, sits dark and empty, despite the door saying it will be open during business hours from Monday to Friday. There is nothing telling constituents of the fate that has befallen Ward.

Liz Markowski, 60, said in the avalanche of stories since Ward’s conviction, people had forgotten the two victims who had bravely come forward to relive their traumatic experiences in front of a court. Her friend Judy Cork said by refusing to accept his fate, Ward was losing his dignity.

Craig and Sharon Coleman. Craig said allegations levelled against Gareth Ward had “tarnished” Kiama’s name.Credit: Janie Barrett

The saga had “tarnished Kiama’s name”, says Craig Coleman, 57, who said he was surprised voters returned Ward to parliament with the allegations hanging over his head.

There were more than 20,000 voters who gave Ward their first preference at the last election, but no one the Herald spoke to on Tuesday expressed any support for their long-term MP. Many were reluctant to talk about the issue. Tricia, 89, who declined to provide her last name, said the allegations levelled against Ward had divided the Kiama community.

Kelly Dang, 52, said while some in the community would continue to back him despite his conviction, a “deep disappointment” had taken hold after many in Kiama gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Several people explained Ward’s unthinkable success in being re-elected – holding on with a wafer-thin margin in the face of an 11.2 per cent swing against him – as being down to his success in getting things done for Kiama, and his talent for retail politics.

“He had an amazing memory for names and faces,” Cork said.

Brad, who declined to provide his last name, said after dealing with the local MP a handful of times over an environmental issue, Ward “seemed genuine” and “different to other politicians”.

Despite Ward’s appeal, voters in Kiama are preparing for a future with a new member of parliament.

“It won’t be long before his office is cleaned up, and his name erased,” Lazare said.

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