Following the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, announcing his candidacy as an independent [Ward throws hat into ring], he shares his reasons for running and we have consulted a constitutional law expert to understand if his current suspension from Parliament will be relevant should he be returned.

In answering The Bugle’s questions, Mr Ward says, “I am very grateful for the literally thousands of emails, messages, letters and phone calls from locals encouraging me to continue to work hard and get things done for our local community.

“I’ll be campaigning on my record of action and delivery and continuing to get things done for Kiama.

“At this election, I’m not running to be the Liberal Member or the Labor Member – I’m running to be the local Member.”

He says that since he became the Member for Kiama 12 years ago he has secured more than $3 billion for projects across the community, including the Government’s $700 million commitment to a new Shellharbour Hospital.

He is committed to fighting for reform to return planning powers back to local communities.

“Too many planning and development decisions are made in Sydney and not by democratically elected local councillors.”

He is also concerned about cost of living pressures and preserving local character and heritage.

Mr Ward announcing funding for the Gerry Emery clubhouse upgrade

“Having served as an independent MP for the last two years, I am proud of the millions of dollars in grants I’ve secured and funding I’ve secured for our region,” he says.

“From local charities, sporting clubs and small businesses, I’m proud to have worked hard and delivered as a local MP.

“Whilst I am no longer a member of the NSW Liberal Party and won’t be contesting this election as a Liberal Party Member, the values and beliefs I hold have not changed.

“Since my time as an independent Councillor in local government, my primary interest has always been the people I have the honour and privilege to serve.”

Given the unusual circumstances of Mr Ward being suspended from Parliament, The Bugle contacted leading constitutional lawyer, Professor Anne Toomey, for guidance on what would happen if he was re-elected.

She told us, “A newly constituted Legislative Assembly would mean the past suspension would no longer apply to him. 

“The House would have to consider whether or not to apply a fresh suspension.

“In doing so, the House should take into account that his electorate, being aware of the charges against him, still chose to elect him as their representative. This is a different situation from when Mr Ward was suspended in March 2022, because then the electorate had no opportunity to have its say.”

The other candidates for the seat are currently Kaitlin McInerney for Labor and Dr Tonia Gray for The Greens.

Liberal Party pre-selection has closed, and a candidate is expected to be announced shortly.

The first Meet the Candidates events have already been organised, as an opportunity to see the candidates in action and ask questions.

Thursday 16 February

Gerringong Town Hall, 7.30 (an initiative of the South Precinct)

Tuesday 21 February

Jamberoo Anglican Church, 7pm (organised by the churches of the Kiama Electorate)

Tuesday 7 March

Minnamurra Progress Hall, 7.15pm (an initiative of the Minnamurra Progress Association)