Labor has claimed victory in a NSW seat vacated by a disgraced MP convicted of rape, nabbing it in a rare win for the government.

The by-election in Kiama was held on Saturday to pick a replacement for former MP Gareth Ward, convicted of sexual and indecent assault in July.

Labor had held the seat for three decades from its re-establishment until the then-Liberal MP claimed it in 2011, putting the party in a good position to wrestle the electorate back.

Labor candidate Katelin McInerney's victory was the first major electoral test for the Minns government.

Premier Chris Minns said the result was a humbling success.

"My government views this result as an invitation to work even harder for the entire state," he said on Saturday night.

"I want to thank the people of Kiama for putting t

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