Ward runs as an independent

from page 1 made in Sydney and not by democratically elected local councillors.” 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.

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

“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.

“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.”

“People really appreciate the care we take.

“Someone in a refuge told me ‘This is the first time I’ve got a present’.

“We aim to help people who fall through the gaps with other organisations.”

Gerringong’s Darrell Shephard has also received an OAM, for his service to softball. He has been a National Umpires Staff Member of Softball Australia since 2016, having umpired 334 national championship games since 1980 and 92 international games.

He won the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and is a life member of Softball NSW, its Umpires Association, the Illawarra Softball Association and Dapto Softball Club.

“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

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 con- stituted 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.

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)