KIAMA, NSW – As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s by-election, the south coast electorate of Kiama is buzzing with anticipation. The seat, vacated by disgraced former MP Gareth Ward following his July 2025 conviction for rape and indecent assault, has sparked a fierce contest. Polling booths will open from 8am to 6pm, with early voting already underway since September 6, drawing significant attention from locals and political analysts alike.
Both the Liberal Party and Labor are vying for the upper hand, each claiming underdog status in a race that’s become a litmus test for opposition leader Michael Daley. Ward’s departure, after a high-profile trial and sentencing still pending, has left the 2,275-square-kilometre district—home to 60,391 voters—in uncharted territory. The scandal has fuelled voter turnout expectations, with historical data suggesting over 85% participation in similar by-elections.
Candidates like Kate McMahon (Labor), Kate Seary (Independent), and Serena Copley (another contender) have plastered the electorate with campaign signs, reflecting a diverse field. The NSW Electoral Commission has ensured accessibility at voting centres, with full details online for residents. As the community prepares to cast their ballots, all eyes are on whether this by-election will reshape Kiama’s political landscape—or deepen the fallout from Ward’s exit.
For the latest updates, tune into 7NEWS on Saturday
