The situation surrounding Gareth Ward, a New South Wales politician jailed for sexual assault, escalates as he seeks to maintain his parliamentary seat despite widespread calls for his resignation amid legal challenges ahead of his sentencing.
Convicted Rapist Politician Battles for Parliamentary Seat from Behind Bars
Convicted Rapist Politician Battles for Parliamentary Seat from Behind Bars
Gareth Ward, an Australian MP convicted of rape, fights his potential expulsion from the New South Wales Parliament as he plans to appeal his conviction.
A New South Wales politician, Gareth Ward, is currently contesting his expulsion from the state parliament after being convicted of rape. Found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men between 2013 and 2015, Ward is appealing the verdict while imprisoned and fighting to hold onto his parliamentary seat as legal proceedings unfold.
Despite facing calls for resignation from various political leaders, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, who deemed it unconscionable for a convicted felon to remain in office, Ward's legal representation is preparing to seek an injunction. This motion aims to prevent the parliament from expelling him, asserting that his legal battles are not yet concluded.
Minns highlighted the absurdity of the situation where taxpayers are indirectly funding Ward's salary while he is incarcerated, stressing that it is unacceptable for the constituents of Kiama to remain without representation due to Ward's refusal to relinquish his position. Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed these sentiments, expressing that each day Ward remains in office from jail diminishes the integrity of the legislative body.
Ward, who has been serving as an MP since 2011 and was re-elected in 2023, previously resigned from his position within the Liberal Party and as a minister following the emergence of the criminal allegations. In light of his conviction, there are discussions within the NSW government regarding the potential for a parliamentary vote to expel him, but legal advisories have cautioned against actions that could compromise his ongoing appeal process.
As the legal battles continue, Ward is scheduled for sentencing next month for multiple counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. If his expulsion goes through, it may lead to a by-election for his constituency in Kiama, propelling a swift political response in the area.
