Gareth Ward

Gareth James Ward MP, an Australian politician, is a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing Kiama for the Liberal Party of Australia since 2011. Ward was a councillor on Shoalhaven City Council from 2004 until 2012.

Early life

Ward was born in the Illawarra region and completed his schooling at Bomaderry High School. He holds degrees in commerce and arts from the University of Wollongong. From 2001 to 2006, Ward served on the Council of the Wollongong Undergraduate Students' Association at the University. Ward was involved with the Australian Liberal Students Federation.

Political career

On 27 March 2004, Ward was elected to the Shoalhaven City Council as an independent councillor representing the northern parts of Shoalhaven. He was re-elected on 13 September 2008 and was appointed deputy mayor in the same month.

On 12 April 2010, Ward was preselected as the Liberal candidate for Kiama. It was reported that he gained preselection in a 20–12 vote against the previous candidate, Ann Sudmalis. At the 2011 state election, Ward was elected with a swing of 12.0 points and won the seat with 57.5 per cent of the vote on a two-party basis. Ward's main opponent was the incumbent sitting Labor member and former Minister, Matt Brown.