With NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader calling on Gareth Ward to resign after being sent to jail over sexual assault offences, The Bugle decided to ask the people of the Kiama electorate for their view on the matter.

We asked 12 people at random who represent a cross-section section of the community at the Kiama Farmers' Market on Wednesday afternoon the same question.

Should Gareth Ward resign as Kiama State MP after being convicted of serious sex crimes?

Here is what they had to say.

Glenys, retiree, Kiama:

"Yes, he should resign. It's not a matter of personal opinion, it's the right thing to do. If you stay away from the court side of it, Gareth has done some good work as an MP. I don't like how the media has blown this up, and it would be horrible if he's actually innocent. But should he resign? Yes, it's the right thing to do."

John, retiree, Kiama:

"If you have a criminal record, it should automatically disqualify you from being an MP. But I actually think he was railroaded. I have some serious doubts about whether he's guilty or not. The George Pell situation comes to mind. But as long as it's in black and white that he did it, then you can't represent a community."

Samantha, 23, Kiama:

"He's on a downhill path and should just step off now. It's crazy that he's still our MP. How can this be allowed? Just go, I say."

Lauren, 49, Kiama:

"Yes, he should resign. No doubt about it. It would be the right thing to do. Otherwise, it's not a great look for Kiama, is it?"

Luke, 26, Bombo:

"Absolutely he should step down. What confidence does this give us if he's allowed to keep serving us from jail? It's disgusting what he's been found guilty of doing. I just don't think he should be allowed to keep his job.

I know I'd lose my job if I did something like he did."

Julie, retiree, Kiama:

"Look, I'm a supporter of Gareth's and still think he's innocent. I want him to stay on. He's done a lot for our community. Let him at least stay on until his appeal has run its course."

Ann, 58, Albion Park:

"I think it's time for the people of Kiama to tell him to go. We don't want a convicted rapist representing us. He's gotta go."

Robert, 52, Kiama: "Yes, he should have quit the day after he was convicted of such serious crimes. How can us locals be properly represented by a criminal who's sitting in a Sydney jail? Also, tell me how this isn't just self-serving?"

Geoff, 42, Gerringong:

"Resigning by now would have been the right thing to do. Appeal the conviction by all means. But just do the right thing and step down. If he's cleared down the track, then he can run again."

Taylor, 23, Kiama Downs:

"Why do you need to even ask this question? Of course, he should have resigned by now. I'm sick of reading about it. He's making us a laughing stock."

Carli, 25, Gerringong:

"Absolutely! Resigning would be the right thing to do, wouldn't it!? I didn't follow the court case, so I can't judge if he's guilty or not. But if a jury has convicted him, then he shouldn't be representing us."

Mark, retiree, Kiama:

"Definitely, yes. It doesn't make sense how he's been allowed to stay on as MP after this conviction. I understand he has every right to appeal, but this is a pretty big stain on our community now. Gareth needs to realise this and do the right thing and step aside."

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