One of the guiding beliefs of Kate Dezarnaulds’ campaign is that sunshine is the best disinfectant. Below are the facts—clearly and in order—about comments reported on the eve of the Kiama by-election by the Daily Telegraph and the selective spin now circulating on Facebook.
What’s Being Claimed
That Kate “praised” or “defended” Gareth Ward in an interview.
What Actually Happened
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A Daily Telegraph reporter approached Kate at pre-poll and asked why some people still speak positively about Gareth Ward’s electorate work after his conviction for two serious sexual assaults.
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Kate described what many Kiama residents have expressed to her on the campaign trail: the shock and hurt of his criminal conviction alongside some voters’ memories of a responsive electorate office.
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She did not excuse, minimise, or defend his crimes. She acknowledged the community’s mixed emotions to explain why people value responsive, independent representation—and why Kiama can have that without the shame of Ward’s criminal verdict and personal conduct.
The Full Context of Kate’s Position (since 2023)
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Kate has said publicly that Mr Ward should have stood down once charged and should not have returned to Parliament while the case proceeded.
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She has twice received threats of defamation proceedings after posting support for victims and calling for higher standards in public life.
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After the conviction, she expressed relief that justice was served and highlighted the chilling effect that legal pressure and intimidation can have on community discussion.
Recognising constituents’ feelings is not rehabilitating the offender, apologising for, or minimising his behaviour. Kate has been prepared to speak to the complex way a community processes harm and moves forward with higher expectations of elected officials.
What Was Said vs. What’s Being Spun
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Said: People are “still trying to process” the conviction; some recall prior responsiveness; both things can be true—serious wrongdoing and past job performance can coexist in memory.
Daily Telegraph article today — “Both things can be true at the same time – somebody can have made a terrible mistake in their private life but have been a very hardworking member.”
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Not said: That good electorate work cancels crimes, that the conviction is trivial, or that he is fit for office.
Previously (23 March 2023), Kate wrote:
LinkedIn post — “Today I stand with all the victims of sexual assault and harassment… Our society has decided there are times when innocent until proven guilty is the wrong measure… Believing victims is more important… And as a survivor that breaks my spirit.”
Why This Is Surfacing Now
One day out from the by-election—where the Liberal Party is expected to perform poorly—a selective, sensational framing has been pushed to News Corp outlets and amplified on social media by mostly anonymous accounts. It’s a familiar last-minute tactic to distract from substance.
The Sequence of Events
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2021–2023: Charges laid against Gareth Ward for serious historical sexual assaults; resignation from ministry and party; in 2023 he runs as an independent for Kiama.
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March 2023: Re-elected while facing serious charges. Kate publicly states she is ashamed Kiama returned him and that, in her view, he should not re-enter Parliament pending trial. Threats of defamation from Ward follow.
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June 2025: Verdict: Ward is convicted of multiple serious sexual offences. Kate expresses relief that justice was served and stands with victims and those silenced by intimidation.
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This week: Asked at pre-poll about community feelings, Kate explains the tension many residents feel and restates her view that Kiama needs independent, ethical, responsive representation—without excusing harm.
- Now: Selective quotes are being used on social media to portray empathy for voters as “praise” for the offender. That is false.
What Kate Dezarnaulds Stands For
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Victim-respecting standards: Zero tolerance for sexual violence and for the abuse of legal processes by those in power to preserve their position.
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Independent, community-first representation: Hard-working, available, solutions-focused—without party factionalism or personality cults.
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Open conversation, not censorship: The community must be able to discuss matters of public interest without intimidation or erasure.
If You’ve Seen the Posts
Correction to share:
“Kate did not defend Gareth Ward. She explained that many locals are struggling to reconcile his conviction with memories of electorate service—while reiterating that serious crimes and victim pain are not up for debate. Her public record since 2023 is consistent: he should not have remained in office; victims must be believed; Kiama deserves independent, ethical representation.”
Kate is proud of her community. She is running to deliver the independent, ethical, responsive local leadership Kiama deserves—grounded in honesty, respect, and a safer, stronger future for everyone.
Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535