An Australian politician, Gareth Ward, convicted of rape, is currently plotting a legal battle to remain as a member of the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament from his prison cell. Last month, Ward was found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, ages 18 and 24, in his home between 2013 and 2015, leading to his current custody status while awaiting sentencing.
In response, the NSW parliament planned to expel the 44-year-old this week, as he declined to resign post-conviction. However, Ward's legal team is preparing to appear at a Supreme Court hearing on Thursday, where they will seek an injunction to prevent his removal, arguing for his right to stay in office.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his disdain, stating on local radio that it's "unconscionable" for a convicted sex offender to occupy a parliamentary seat while incarcerated. He emphasized the need for Ward to resign as the first logical course of action. Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed this sentiment, criticizing the situation as unacceptable and suggesting that taxpayers should not be responsible for paying a politician behind bars.
After his conviction, Ward expressed his devastation regarding the jury ruling and indicated he was consulting family before proceeding with an appeal. Although he had previously stepped down from his ministerial role and left the Liberal Party amid allegations made in 2021, he successfully ran for re-election in 2023 as the representative for Kiama.
The NSW government contemplated expelling Ward prior to his trial but hesitated due to legal concerns that it could influence the proceedings. Should he be expelled, a by-election will be triggered in Kiama, likely taking place in the coming weeks. Ward is set to be sentenced next month, facing three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.
