The Bugle asked the other candidates for the Seat of Kiama for their reaction to Melanie Gibbons, MP for Holdsworthy, being announced as the Liberal Party’s candidate [Liberals find a surprise candidate].

Former Liberal, Gareth Ward MP, who is standing as an independent in this election, says, “I welcome all comers to what is a democratic contest. No one person or party 'owns' a seat in Parliament and I trust the judgment of our local people. 

“It is an incredible privilege to serve the community in which I have grown up, lived and worked my entire life and I respectfully submit my candidacy to their judgment. The people always get it right.”

Labor candidate Katelin McInnerney says, “Who the Liberal candidate is, is a matter for the Liberal party.

“For the last six months, I’ve been focused on Labor’s fresh start plan for Kiama as our endorsed candidate.” 

Greens candidate Tonia Gray says, “This is a repeat pattern of what happened at the Federal election parachuting in selected members. In my opinion shows a Liberal Party in disarray.”

Despite being highly regarded within the Party, with a ministerial promotion being foreshadowed by the Premier, Ms Gibbons lost the preselection for her seat late last year. She also missed out on the opportunity to fill the Upper House ticket vacancy left on the resignation of Peter Poulos.