Kiama: Labor stares down major test as voters go to polls in NSW
A Labor government will face its first major electoral test after the unprecedented rape conviction of a sitting MP.
Voters in Kiama on the NSW south coast will take to the polls on Saturday to pick a replacement for departing MP Gareth Ward.
Before the then-Liberal MP won the seat in 2011, Labor had held it for the three decades from its re-establishment, putting the party in a good position to wrench the electorate back.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Labor seems to be in the box seat,” election analyst Ben Raue told AAP.
It’s unusual for a government to gain a seat in a by-election, but Mr Raue believes Labor has more incentive to work harder for the victory.
Kiama will not push NSW Labor out of minority government, but a win would put the party one step closer to majority power when the 2027 contest comes around.
Though that does not mean the coalition is out of the running.
Conservative voters who were split between Ward - who turned independent after being dumped by the Liberals - and the coalition’s candidate at the 2023 election, could unite behind Liberal Serena Copley candidate on Saturday, Mr Raue said.
Premier Chris Minns tried to temper expectations as he visited Kiama with Labor candidate Katelin McInerney.
“It’s a strong field for the voters of Kiama to choose from, which is good for democracy,” he told reporters on Friday.
“If it’s a good result for Labor, we will not be interpreting it as a pat on the back - we’ll only be seeing it as an invitation to work even harder for this community and the entire state.”
The stakes are arguably higher for state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, whose fate as party boss could be decided by the south coast voters.
Asked if his leadership would survive a loss, Mr Speakman batted away the speculation.
“We are the underdogs,” he told reporters in Kiama on Friday.
“I will be the leader, I will continue to be the leader.
“Tomorrow, it’s about the best representative for Kiama ... it’s about electing someone who will take the toughest fight up to the government.”
Ward resigned in August after he was convicted for sexual and indecent assault in July and he is due to be sentenced on Friday.
Though he had maintained a significant personal vote at the previous election, Mr Minns said Saturday’s by-election would rule a line under Ward’s time in office.
“Now it’s about turning the page,” he said.
