Gareth Ward
| Gareth Ward MP | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Kiama |
|
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 26 March 2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Matt Brown |
| Majority | 7.5% (2011) |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Australia |
| Website | Parliamentary webpage |
Gareth James Ward MP (born 1981[citation needed]), an Australian politician, is a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing Kiama for the Liberal Party of Australia since 2011. He is also a councillor on Shoalhaven City Council since 2004.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Early years and background
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.[2] 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.
[edit] Local government career
On 27 March 2004, aged 22 years, Ward was elected to the Shoalhaven City Council as an independent Councillor representing the northern parts of Shoalhaven City. He was re-elected on 13 September 2008 and was appointed Deputy Mayor in the same month.[3] Since his election, Ward has raised concerns about larger houses on smaller subdivisions. He has also taken a stance against a Labor New South Wales State Government tax on recreational divers and the lack of parking in the city of Nowra.[citation needed]
In 2006, Ward was involved in a dispute with former Shoalhaven City councillor, John Willmott. Willmott was accused of throwing a bowl of tomato sauce at Ward during a Council meeting. The two councillors had previously exchanged e-mails over new proposed building height codes in Ulladulla.[3] Willmott is alleged to have called Ward a "little twerp". Ward responded by criticizing Willmott's spelling at the meeting. Despite a number of Councillors being present at the meeting, none were willing to make public comment about the incident. Ward subsequently called for Willmott to resign or undertake anger management counselling. Willmott did neither [4] but was not re-elected in the following election.
[edit] New South Wales political career
On 12 April 2010, Ward was preselected as the Liberal candidate for Kiama. It was reported that he gained preselection in a 20 to 12 vote against the previous candidate, Ann Sudmalis.[5] At the 2011 state election, Ward was elected with a swing of 12.0 per cent and won the seat with 57.5 per cent of the vote on a two party preferred basis.[6] Ward's main opponent was the incumbent sitting Labor member and former Minister, Matt Brown.
[edit] References
- ^ "Mr Gareth James Ward, MP". Members of Parliament. Parliament of New South Wales. 10 May 2011. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/c8a9b0fc61cd9910ca256e7c000acca0/95ee558e816bc8f3ca2578690016a0c4?OpenDocument. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
- ^ "Gareth Ward". Members. Liberal Party of Australia. 2011. http://www.nsw.liberal.org.au/nsw-candidates/gareth-ward.html. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ a b "Clr Gareth Ward". About Councillors. Shoalhaven City Council. http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/council/councillors/ward.htm. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
- ^ "Councillor accused of saucy incident urged to quit". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 April 2006. http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200604/1614794.htm. Retrieved 24 May 2008.
- ^ "Shoalhaven Deputy Mayor contesting state election". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 13 April 2010. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/13/2871289.htm?site=illawarra. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ Green, Antony (5 April 2011). "Kiama". NSW Votes 2011. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.abc.net.au/elections/nsw/2011/guide/kiam.htm. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
| Parliament of New South Wales | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Matt Brown |
Member for Kiama 2011–present |
Incumbent |
