A by-election in the New South Wales electoral district of Kiama was held on 13 September 2025, following the resignation of independent MP Gareth Ward.
Ward was found guilty on 25 July 2025 of sexually abusing two men. He was scheduled to be expelled from parliament on 8 August 2025, but resigned the same day.
Thirteen candidates stood in the 2025 Kiama state by-election. Labor candidate Katelin McInerney was projected to have won the by-election at 7:45pm AEST on election night.
Background Resignation of previous MP The previous member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, a former Liberal Party Minister turned independent MP, was convicted on charges of sexually abusing two young men. Ward resigned shortly before a vote to expel him was to be proposed by the government in the Legislative Assembly.
Previous results
Key dates Some important dates for this by-election included: 14 August 2025 — Postal vote applications opened 22 August 2025 — The writ was issued 22 August 2025 — Electoral rolls closed 22 August 2025 — Candidate nominations opened 28 August 2025 — Candidate nominations closed 29 August 2025 — Candidates were announced 6 September 2025 — Early voting commenced 6 September 2025 — Telephone-assisted voting opened 12 September 2025 — Early voting closed 12 September 2025 — Telephone-assisted voting applications closed 13 September 2025 — Election day from 8am to 6pm 13 September 2025 — Telephone-assisted voting closed 30 September 2025 — Distribution of preferences 1 October 2025 — Results are declared 3–21 October 2025 — Return of writ
Candidates 13 candidates stood in the election. The table below shows candidates according to the NSW Electoral Commission, listed in the order they appeared on the ballot. PartyCandidateBackground GreensTonia GrayFormer City of Shoalhaven councillor and candidate for Kiama in 2023 LiberalSerena CopleyTrainer and former City of Shoalhaven councillor Andrew ThalerSnowy Monaro Regional councillor and perennial candidate. Roger WoodwardAccountant and candidate for Berowra in the 2025 federal election and Hornsby in 2024Legalise CannabisDon FuggleActivist Sustainable AustraliaKen DavisMental health professional Lisa CottonCommunity advocate Cyrille Jeufo KeuheuIT developer Shooters, Fishers, FarmersFelix NelsonLand manager and Army veteran LibertarianJoshua BeerLiberal candidate for Lake Macquarie in 2023 Ellie RobertsonPerennial candidate Kate DezarnauldsSmall business owner and candidate for Gilmore in the 2025 federal election LaborKatelin McInerneyJournalist and candidate for Kiama in 2023
Family First intended to stand Kyle Napoleoni as the party's candidate, but his nomination was disqualified for not meeting NSW Electoral Commission requirements.
Results
References
Further reading
External links 2025 Kiama State by-election (NSW Electoral Commission)