Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds, has shot back at claims from Kiama state MP Gareth Ward that she is misleading the electorate with her how-to-vote cards.

Ward issued a media release on Wednesday morning which claimed she had broken a promise by indicating her preference for the Greens.

“Yellow is the new Green. Don’t be fooled,” he warned.

“Whilst Ms Dezarnaulds said she wouldn’t recommend a preference, her how-to-vote card is deliberately deceptive showing two how-to-vote cards but clearly indicating her personal preference for the Greens.

“Whilst Mis Dezarnaulds said she wouldn’t recommend a preference; she is clearly having a bob each way.

“Whilst Ms Dezarnaulds says she would do politics differently, she’s no better than anyone else. Her political windy political rhetoric is so blustery, it could almost make offshore turbines economically viable.

“Voters should know that they can decide their own preferences. But voters should be very careful of candidates that talk out of both sides of their mouth.”

Dezarnaulds was bemused by Ward’s criticisms and said she had been open and honest with the Gilmore electorate.

“Our campaign has been absolutely clear from the beginning - we are straightforward and transparent, and we trust voters to make up their own minds,” she told The Bugle.

“Seven out of eight candidates in this race are doing preference deals and handing out how-to-vote cards that tell people how to think and vote. That’s not how we operate.

Kate Dezarnaulds.

“As a truly independent candidate, I’ve chosen to run an open ticket because I believe voters are capable of deciding for themselves based on their values and priorities.

“My own card simply shows how I personally will be voting - on the issues that matter most to me: housing, small business support, and a real plan for the energy transition.

“It’s not a directive. It’s a reflection of what I stand for, and that’s been consistent from day one.

“There’s nothing misleading or deceptive about being honest with voters. That’s the standard I’ve set for this campaign.”