Gareth Ward, a member of the New South Wales state parliament, has been convicted of sexually assaulting two young men and is currently in jail awaiting sentencing. His refusal to resign has led to calls from state leaders for his expulsion, while Ward's legal team plans to contest the decision in court. The case raises significant questions about accountability and representation in the legislature.
Gareth Ward's Fight to Keep Parliamentary Seat After Rape Conviction
Gareth Ward's Fight to Keep Parliamentary Seat After Rape Conviction
An Australian politician convicted of rape is seeking to remain in parliament despite his incarceration, raising ethical concerns in New South Wales.
Despite being found guilty of serious sexual offenses, Gareth Ward is determined to maintain his position as a member of parliament after his conviction. The politician was sentenced last month for sexually assaulting two young men at his home between 2013 and 2015 and is presently incarcerated in Silverwater pending sentencing.
Initially, the New South Wales (NSW) parliament planned to expel Ward after he declined to resign following his guilty verdict. However, his legal team has announced plans to seek an injunction during a Supreme Court hearing set for Thursday, arguing that he deserves the opportunity to appeal the conviction.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed outrage over the situation, stating, "It's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in jail... demanding to remain a member of parliament." He has been vocal in urging Ward to resign, highlighting the disservice to taxpayers and the constituents of Kiama.
Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed these sentiments, criticizing Ward's insistence on retaining his seat as “offensive,” while emphasizing that the people of Kiama are effectively left without representation.
In the wake of his conviction, Ward stated he was "absolutely shattered" and plans to appeal the jury's verdict. Although he resigned from his ministerial post and the Liberal Party in 2021 upon the emergence of the allegations, he was re-elected to represent Kiama in 2023.
Previously, the NSW government's efforts to expel Ward were halted due to legal advice suggesting it could jeopardize the integrity of his trial. Should Ward be removed from parliament, a by-election would be required in the Kiama region, potentially occurring in the coming weeks.
Ward is set to be sentenced next month, following his conviction on multiple charges, including one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault.
Initially, the New South Wales (NSW) parliament planned to expel Ward after he declined to resign following his guilty verdict. However, his legal team has announced plans to seek an injunction during a Supreme Court hearing set for Thursday, arguing that he deserves the opportunity to appeal the conviction.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed outrage over the situation, stating, "It's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in jail... demanding to remain a member of parliament." He has been vocal in urging Ward to resign, highlighting the disservice to taxpayers and the constituents of Kiama.
Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed these sentiments, criticizing Ward's insistence on retaining his seat as “offensive,” while emphasizing that the people of Kiama are effectively left without representation.
In the wake of his conviction, Ward stated he was "absolutely shattered" and plans to appeal the jury's verdict. Although he resigned from his ministerial post and the Liberal Party in 2021 upon the emergence of the allegations, he was re-elected to represent Kiama in 2023.
Previously, the NSW government's efforts to expel Ward were halted due to legal advice suggesting it could jeopardize the integrity of his trial. Should Ward be removed from parliament, a by-election would be required in the Kiama region, potentially occurring in the coming weeks.
Ward is set to be sentenced next month, following his conviction on multiple charges, including one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault.
