Labor has claimed a decisive victory in the New South Wales Kiama byelection, with Katelin McInerney set to replace disgraced former MP Gareth Ward.
Ward, who resigned in August ahead of a parliamentary expulsion, was convicted of sexual and indecent assault in July. His departure ended a controversial chapter in the Kiama electorate, which Labor had held for three decades until Ward captured the seat for the Liberals in 2011.
McInerney’s win represents a significant electoral test for the Minns government. Initial results show the Labor candidate securing 60.6% of the two-party preferred vote, while Liberal candidate Serena Copley received 39.4%. First preference votes saw McInerney at 37.5%, with Copley on 26.2% after 75% of ballots were counted.
Premier Chris Minns described the result as “humbling” and an invitation to work harder across New South Wales. “I want to thank the people of Kiama for putting their trust in Labor,” Minns said. “We do not take that trust for granted. Kiama now has that voice inside government, and I know Katelin will be a fierce advocate for her community.”
Thirteen candidates contested the byelection, with political analysts highlighting that it is unusual for a sitting government to gain a seat in such contests. However, Labor’s strong local campaigning and the circumstances surrounding Ward’s resignation contributed to the decisive outcome.
The result strengthens the Minns government, bringing Labor one vote closer to a parliamentary majority. Election analyst Ben Raue confirmed the Labor victory just two hours after polls closed, noting the symbolic significance of reclaiming the seat.
The poor performance of the Liberals could have repercussions for state opposition leader Mark Speakman. Before the election, Speakman acknowledged the party’s underdog status and emphasized his commitment to representing Kiama. Analysts had suggested that a two-party preferred result in the low 40s could jeopardize his leadership.
Ward had retained Kiama as an independent in 2023, despite facing sexual offence charges involving two young men. He is scheduled for sentencing next week. Minns said the byelection marked the end of Ward’s controversial tenure. “Now it’s about turning the page,” he said, stressing a focus on community representation and governance.
The Kiama byelection also highlighted voter priorities on accountability and ethics, with residents rallying behind McInerney’s campaign promise to restore integrity and advocacy for the electorate. The result signals continued public support for Labor’s policies at the state level and underscores the challenges facing the Liberals in rebuilding trust in affected electorates.
With Labor now consolidating its position in Kiama, the Minns government can push forward with legislative priorities while demonstrating responsiveness to voters’ expectations for ethical leadership and community representation.
