Gareth Ward Resigns from NSW Parliament Amid Sexual Assault Conviction
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gareth Ward, convicted of sexual assault, resigned from the NSW parliament just before a scheduled expulsion vote.
- Ward was found guilty of assaulting two young men and is appealing the convictions while awaiting sentencing.
- His resignation triggers a by-election in the Kiama electorate, which he has represented since 2011.
- NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized Ward's delay in resigning, highlighting the inappropriateness of serving from jail.
- The court dismissed Ward's legal challenge against his expulsion, emphasizing parliamentary authority.
Gareth Ward, a former New South Wales (NSW) MP, has resigned from parliament following his conviction for sexual assault, preempting an imminent expulsion vote. Ward, 44, was found guilty in July of indecently assaulting two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015. His resignation, submitted just hours before the parliamentary vote, marks a significant development in a case that has gripped Australian politics.
Legal Battle and Conviction
Ward's legal troubles began in 2021 when he identified himself as the subject of a child abuse investigation. In March 2022, charges were filed, leading to his suspension from parliament. Despite these charges, Ward was re-elected as an independent in 2023. His conviction includes three counts of indecent assault and one of sexual intercourse without consent, and he is currently appealing the verdict while in custody at Cessnock prison.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The NSW parliament was set to expel Ward on Friday, following a court ruling that dismissed his injunction to prevent the expulsion. Chief Justice Andrew Bell, overseeing the case, stated that the appeal notice did not impede the parliament's authority to expel him. Ward's resignation has triggered a by-election in the Kiama electorate, a seat he has held since 2011.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed that Ward's resignation should have occurred sooner, questioning the feasibility of representing constituents from behind bars. Opposition leader Mark Speakman criticized Ward's legal maneuvers as "disgraceful," accusing him of undermining public trust.
Parliamentary and Public Response
The resignation has been met with relief by some parliamentary members, who were prepared to vote for his expulsion. Ron Hoenig, the leader of the house, remarked on the rarity of such proceedings, noting that the parliament had not expelled a member in over a century. The by-election process, now set in motion, will determine Ward's successor in the Kiama seat.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The resignation of Gareth Ward sets the stage for a by-election in the Kiama electorate, which could shift the political landscape in NSW. As Ward appeals his conviction, the legal process may continue to draw public and media attention, potentially influencing voter sentiment. Experts suggest that the case underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in public office and could lead to discussions on legislative reforms to address similar situations in the future. The outcome of Ward's appeal and the by-election will be closely watched as indicators of public trust in the political system.
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Gareth Ward Resigns from NSW Parliament Amid Sexual Assault Conviction
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Gareth Ward, convicted of sexual assault, resigned from the NSW parliament just before a scheduled expulsion vote.
- Ward was found guilty of assaulting two young men and is appealing the convictions while awaiting sentencing.
- His resignation triggers a by-election in the Kiama electorate, which he has represented since 2011.
- NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized Ward's delay in resigning, highlighting the inappropriateness of serving from jail.
- The court dismissed Ward's legal challenge against his expulsion, emphasizing parliamentary authority.
Gareth Ward, a former New South Wales (NSW) MP, has resigned from parliament following his conviction for sexual assault, preempting an imminent expulsion vote. Ward, 44, was found guilty in July of indecently assaulting two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015. His resignation, submitted just hours before the parliamentary vote, marks a significant development in a case that has gripped Australian politics.
Legal Battle and Conviction
Ward's legal troubles began in 2021 when he identified himself as the subject of a child abuse investigation. In March 2022, charges were filed, leading to his suspension from parliament. Despite these charges, Ward was re-elected as an independent in 2023. His conviction includes three counts of indecent assault and one of sexual intercourse without consent, and he is currently appealing the verdict while in custody at Cessnock prison.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The NSW parliament was set to expel Ward on Friday, following a court ruling that dismissed his injunction to prevent the expulsion. Chief Justice Andrew Bell, overseeing the case, stated that the appeal notice did not impede the parliament's authority to expel him. Ward's resignation has triggered a by-election in the Kiama electorate, a seat he has held since 2011.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed that Ward's resignation should have occurred sooner, questioning the feasibility of representing constituents from behind bars. Opposition leader Mark Speakman criticized Ward's legal maneuvers as "disgraceful," accusing him of undermining public trust.
Parliamentary and Public Response
The resignation has been met with relief by some parliamentary members, who were prepared to vote for his expulsion. Ron Hoenig, the leader of the house, remarked on the rarity of such proceedings, noting that the parliament had not expelled a member in over a century. The by-election process, now set in motion, will determine Ward's successor in the Kiama seat.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The resignation of Gareth Ward sets the stage for a by-election in the Kiama electorate, which could shift the political landscape in NSW. As Ward appeals his conviction, the legal process may continue to draw public and media attention, potentially influencing voter sentiment. Experts suggest that the case underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in public office and could lead to discussions on legislative reforms to address similar situations in the future. The outcome of Ward's appeal and the by-election will be closely watched as indicators of public trust in the political system.
Images from the Web
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Sydney Police Under Scrutiny Following Violent Anti-Herzog Protest
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Sydney Harbour Shark Attack Leaves Boy in Critical Condition
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