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‘Independent’ Voters, 13 Candidates and the Spectre of Ward: Polls Open in the Battle for Kiama

The Kiama by-election is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, to fill the seat vacated by former MP Gareth Ward.
Ward resigned after being convicted of sexual abuse offences, leaving a contested seat with 13 candidates, amid a turbulent political background for the Liberals.
The election features key candidates including Labor's Katelin McInerney, Liberal Serena Copley, and independent Kate Dezarnaulds, with local issues like housing and infrastructure prominent.
Opposition leader Mark Speakman called the Liberals underdogs and said, "Tomorrow is about fighting for Kiama," while Premier Chris Minns described the by-election as "a test."
A poor Liberal result below 30 percent of the primary vote could jeopardize Speakman's leadership and indicate challenges for the party as the next state election approaches.

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13 Articles

The Canberra Times

Lean Left

NSW Premier Chris Minns 'nervous' on Kiama by-election polling day

Don't miss a moment as South Coast residents vote for who will represent them in the seat of Kiama. Live as it happens.

2 days ago·Canberra, Australia

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Sydney Morning Herald

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

Lean Left

‘Independent’ voters, 13 candidates and the spectre of Ward: Polls open in the battle for Kiama

Labor appears to be favourite as voters head to the polls, while a Liberal loss will spell trouble for Mark Speakman’s leadership.

2 days ago·Sydney, Australia

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illawarramercury.com.au

Lean Left

Major parties hit Kiama in last-ditch bid for votes

Major parties vie for votes in Kiama by-election as pre-poll votes soar. Labor, Greens, and Liberals make final appeals.

3 days ago

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ulladullatimes.com.au

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southcoastregister.com.au

Lean Left

Infrastructure battle as parties argue over Bomaderry High School upgrade

State leaders rally ahead of Kiama byelection, taking to pre-polls and inspecting school upgrades at Bomaderry High.

3 days ago

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ABC Australia

Lean Left

Winning disgraced MP Gareth Ward's seat is a prize for both major parties

The Kiama by-election this weekend is more than a fight for one seat. It could reveal how voters view the state's major party leaders after scandal and political upheaval.

3 days ago·Australia

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The Tally Room

Kiama by-election – results live

6:00 – Polls have just closed in the Kiama by-election. This state seat is on the south coast of New South Wales, and was vacated by Gareth Ward shortly before he was expected to be expelled from the Legislative Assembly after his conviction and expected sentencing. Results should start to come in before 7pm tonight. I’ll be live-blogging here. In the meantime, you can read my guide to the by-election here.

2 days ago

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