Convicted Australian politician Gareth Ward is fighting to retain his position in the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament despite a recent conviction for raping two young men. In light of his sentencing pending appeal, the 44-year-old independent member for Kiama finds himself in a precarious legal battle, aiming to prevent his expulsion from Parliament.
Last month, a jury found Ward guilty of sexually assaulting the two victims, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015. His potential expulsion from Parliament had been anticipated this week; however, his lawyers are scheduled to seek an injunction to keep him in office during a Supreme Court hearing.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed outrage over Ward's refusal to resign, stating, “It's an unconscionable situation to have someone currently sitting in jail, demanding to remain a member of parliament.” Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed this sentiment, criticizing Ward’s decision to cling to his seat while taxpayers bear the financial burden of his parliamentary salary.
Despite the chorus of calls for resignation, Ward has declared himself "absolutely shattered" by the jury's ruling and asserts he is pursuing an appeal. Following the emergence of the allegations in 2021, he resigned from his ministerial position and the Liberal Party but managed to secure re-election in 2023 as an independent after refusing to leave Parliament.
Previously, the NSW government contemplated Ward’s removal, but legal advice cautioned against potential prejudicial findings in the trial. Should he be expelled, a by-election would take place in Kiama, potentially occurring within weeks. Ward faces sentencing next month for multiple counts of indecent assault and rape, raising questions about the ethics and responsibilities of elected officials in the face of serious criminal charges.
