NSW's Gareth Ward, found guilty of sexual assault, is challenging his potential expulsion from parliament while remaining in custody, raising significant controversy and calls for accountability among leaders.
Convicted Rapist's Fight Continues in NSW Parliament from Prison
Convicted Rapist's Fight Continues in NSW Parliament from Prison
Gareth Ward, an Australian politician convicted of rape, battles to keep his parliamentary seat despite public outcry for his resignation.
Gareth Ward, an Australian politician convicted of rape, is currently contesting his expulsion from the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament from behind bars. The 44-year-old was recently found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, aged 18 and 24, at his residence between 2013 and 2015, and is now awaiting sentencing while incarcerated.
The NSW government aims to expel Ward this week, as he has rejected calls to resign following the guilty verdict. However, Ward's legal team intends to seek an injunction during a Supreme Court hearing on Thursday to prevent his removal from the parliament as he prepares to appeal his conviction.
The situation has drawn strong condemnation from NSW Premier Chris Minns, who emphasized on local radio station 2GB the inappropriateness of a convicted rapist serving in parliament. "It's an unconscionable situation to have someone currently in jail for serious sexual offenses demanding to remain in parliament," Minns stated, reiterating his demand for Ward's resignation.
Opposition leader Mark Speakman has echoed this sentiment, calling Ward's persistence offensive to the constituents of Kiama and taxpayers. "Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill, and the people of Kiama are left voiceless,” Speakman remarked.
After his conviction, but before his bail was revoked, Ward stated he was "absolutely shattered" by the jury's decision and that he was consulting with family about how to proceed. He confirmed he's instructed his legal team to begin preparations for an appeal as soon as possible.
Having resigned from the Liberal Party and state government ministerial positions amidst the allegations in 2021, Ward, however, was re-elected as the member for Kiama in 2023. Although there have been discussions within the NSW government about expelling Ward, legal advice advised against it due to potential impacts on the ongoing trial.
If Ward is expelled, a by-election for the south coast town of Kiama would likely be triggered within weeks. He is due for sentencing next month on charges including three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.
