UPDATE: Convicted rapist MP Gareth Ward faces immediate pressure to resign from the NSW Parliament or risk expulsion when the legislative body reconvenes next week. This urgent move follows Ward’s conviction on Friday for sexually assaulting two young men, prompting Premier Chris Minns to declare that his continued presence is unacceptable.
In a statement delivered shortly after the verdict, Minns confirmed that legal advice allows the Legislative Assembly to remove the independent MP, even while he awaits an appeal. “We are not dealing with hypotheticals anymore – he has been convicted,” Minns stated emphatically. “It is completely ridiculous… for someone convicted of incredibly serious sexual assault convictions to remain a member of parliament.”
Liberal Leader Mark Speakman echoed these sentiments, asserting that Ward cannot effectively represent his constituents in Kiama after such serious convictions. “He must resign, and if he doesn’t, then parliament has to take all the steps it can to protect its integrity,” Speakman asserted. With overwhelming bipartisan support, the parliament could vote to expel Ward as soon as Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
If expelled, a byelection will be triggered in the marginal South Coast seat, which Ward narrowly retained in the last election. A senior Liberal party member, who requested anonymity due to internal party rules, indicated that winning this seat would be extremely challenging, given Ward’s tarnished reputation. “Voters would not back a Liberal candidate after putting their trust in Ward,” the source commented.
Legal experts and advocates are also calling for Ward’s immediate resignation. Karen Isles, a prominent solicitor and advocate for victims of sexual assault, emphasized that society expects those convicted of serious crimes to step down from positions of power. “Victims may feel completely disenfranchised to learn that he, despite being a convicted criminal, is still in charge of making laws in NSW,” Isles stated. “You can’t be a criminal and make laws for the rest of us.”
Currently on bail, Ward is required to report daily to police at either Kings Cross or Nowra stations until a detention application is presented on Wednesday by prosecutors. As his legal battles continue, the pressure mounts for a swift resolution from the parliament.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the NSW Parliament as it prepares for a critical vote that could reshape its integrity and public trust. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
