Why Kiama Needs an Independent Voice Now More Than Ever

In an era when many voters feel let down by the two-party system, Independents are reshaping the political landscape. Free from rigid party structures, they bring community voices into parliament and often tackle issues the major parties sidestep.

Until now, Kiama has been trapped in the grip of the two-party system, where MPs answer first to party bosses and factional interests instead of to the community. Local needs have too often been sidelined by party discipline, short-term pork-barrelling, and political scandals that have eroded trust. Issues like ensuring sustainable development, marrying essential infrastructure with major projects, supporting our councils’ sustainability, and improving the woeful state of public transport all take a back seat while energy is spent on party games in Macquarie Street and policies designed to override community voices.

Why Independence Matters

Independents put community before party. They are free to act on local priorities without pressure from factional bosses. They bring accountability, collaboration, and integrity back into politics—ensuring decisions are driven by the people of Kiama, not by political calculations.

Unlike the major parties, which are shrinking in membership and trust, Independents are the only political force in Australia that is growing. Dissatisfaction with the old model is rising, and sensible-centre voters are looking for a voice of reason in a sea of madness and conflict.

And in a minority parliament, Independents are not powerless—they are pivotal. They keep governments accountable, temper arrogance and excess, and make sure their communities priorities are not forgotten.

A Tradition on the South Coast

The South Coast knows the value of strong Independents. John Hatton AO, who represented this region from 1973 to 1995, became known as the “father of ICAC” after his relentless push for the Independent Commission Against Corruption reshaped standards of accountability in NSW politics.

“Kate Dezarnaulds is the only candidate in this race with the independence, integrity, and courage to speak up for her community—without fear or favour,” Hatton said. “She’s not here to climb a party ladder. She’s standing to serve the people of Kiama, and I believe she will do so with honesty, transparency and a genuine commitment to public service.”

Even more recently, voters valued the tenacity of Gareth Ward when he stood down from the Liberal Party — finally speaking up for Kiama without waiting for instructions from Macquarie Street.

Independent Results in Action

Across NSW today, Independents are proving their worth.

Alex Greenwich MP has been instrumental in landmark reforms on marriage equality, surrogacy, and voluntary assisted dying.

Jacqui Scruby MP is a climate-driven Community Independent focused on sustainable planning on the Northern Beaches.

Judy Hannan MP has secured important wins for the Wollondilly community, delivering millions for new schools, transport links, and hospital upgrades by working collaboratively and hyper-locally.

According to Alex Greenwich MP:

“The main gripe the major parties have with Independents is we work too hard, and deliver too much for our communities. NSW Parliament has a proud history of Independents rising above party politics to do what’s right for their communities and the state of NSW.”

Judy Hannan MP shared her frustration with party discipline:

“You just have to look when voting takes place in parliament. The two parties have staffers stand and direct them to either the yes or no. They don’t even have to know what they are voting on. The Independents work out what is best for their own electorate and vote accordingly.”

Clearing the Fog: Issues That Matter to Voters

This by-election is about more than personalities—it’s about giving voters clarity in a political system that often hides the truth behind slogans. That’s why our campaign is lifting the curtain on issues such as:

Optional preferential voting – why numbering beyond “1” makes your vote stronger, and why letting your vote “exhaust” weakens your influence.

Preference deals – why parties horsetrade behind closed doors to build ‘preference funnels’, and why Independents like Kate stand against these tactics.

Election promises vs. funding announcements vs. pork-barrelling – how to spot the difference, and why Kiama deserves funding based on need, not political loyalty.

Who gets funded to run elections – why major parties get taxpayer funding, what donation caps and spending caps mean, and how Independents play on an uneven field.

The balance of power – why a strong crossbench in a minority government matters, and how it ensures regional communities get a fair go.

This is about giving people the tools to vote powerfully—and to demand more from their representatives.

A Local Opportunity

The Kiama by-election offers voters a “try before you buy” moment ahead of the 2027 State election. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to put the shame and inaction of the last few years behind us and place Kiama back at the centre of the conversation in Macquarie Street.

As one campaign volunteer recently put it:

“There is a sensible centre in our precious voting system. That’s where we can discuss and debate our options for a changing future in a calm, caring and well-informed way. The challenges are huge—but so are our options once we put our heads and hearts together. The Kate4Kiama campaign has given me hope again that politics can be a force for good.”

The Value of Independents

Former Federal MP Cathy McGowan AO—who pioneered the community-independent model in Indi—has been a mentor to many of us working in this space.

“The Community Independents movement is built on putting people at the centre of everything they do. Community Independents commit to deep listening, integrity, and a promise to put people in their electorate first. When communities come together to back a Community Independent, real change is possible.”

Her words ring true. This model is about people power, not party power.

The choice is clear: Kiama can continue down the path of party loyalty, backroom games, and political neglect, or we can seize this rare opportunity to make our voices heard, keep the bastards honest, and shape a better future together.

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About Kate Dezarnaulds and Her Campaign for Kiama

Kate Dezarnaulds is an independent candidate for Kiama, committed to delivering practical, community-driven solutions for the South Coast in the model of the Community Independents Project and backed by Climate200. A local business leader and advocate for regional investment, Kate is focused on fixing real issues, including improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring government funding reaches the people who need it. Kate’s campaign is built on listening to the community, advocating for transparency, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. She believes that Kiama deserves a strong, independent voice in Macquarie Street—one that puts people before politics.

Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535