A former army officer and ministerial staffer in the Rudd government Mr Kolomeitz has built a profile over the past few months

as a Labor spokesman for the electorate.

As an endorsed candidate, he said he would be taking on what he called the Coalition’s “slash and burn” approach to essential community services. 

“My extended family has a proud history in the Kiama area and the broader Illawarra and, having left the army, I too am raising my family locally. As such, I understand the pressures local families are facing,” Mr Kolomeitz said.

“The lack of publicly available health services has been a resonating issue.  I was equally disturbed to hear that some children in the seat of Kiama go to school hungry.

“I am a proud veteran and local resident who is not afraid to stand up and fight for the people I represent and it will not be any different if I am elected,” he said.

Meanwhile, sitting Liberal MP Gareth Ward said he welcomed all-comers.

“This forthcoming election gives residents the opportunity to judge me on my record, such as the $900 million secured for the future of the Princes Highway including the Berry bypass,” Mr Ward said.

Mr Ward defeated Labor incumbent MP Matt Brown at the 2011 state election, winning 57.5 per cent to Mr Brown’s 42.5 per cent on a two-candidate preferred basis.