Sex offender MP behind bars despite 'risk of degradation'
Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 44, was convicted earlier in July in the NSW District Court of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults.
Judge Kara Shead on Wednesday ordered the politician be imprisoned before his sentence.
His barrister Edward Anderson earlier urged the court to keep his client on bail saying he would be a target in prison because of his high profile and the sexual nature of the offences.
The barrister argued Ward could face 'the sort of extraordinarily degrading treatment' that Hey Dad! actor and convicted sex offender Robert Hughes experienced while in custody.
'If anyone were to be at a statistically greater risk of either personal violence or generally degrading treatment, it must be this person,' he said of the MP.
But Shead agreed with crown prosecutor Monika Knowles that protective measures could be put in place to protect the representative for the NSW South Coast seat.
The judge declined to extend bail because of Ward's poor eyesight and the need for technological vision aids as a result of his oculocutaneous albinism.
'I am unpersuaded that because of his public profile and because of his disability, the offender cannot be adequately managed in custody,' she said.
Ward invited a drunk 18-year-old man, whom he met a year before, to his South Coast home in February 2013.
The man told the jury at trial that Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night, despite his attempts to resist.
The long-time MP also sexually assaulted an intoxicated political staffer after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House in 2015.
The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, told the court Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying 'no'.
Shead on Wednesday urged NSW Corrective Services to provide Ward with an iPad or laptop with a large screen and PDF reader and to pay close attention to his conditions, noting the safety concerns raised.
He was escorted out of the courtroom by four sheriffs while holding a plastic bag containing medication.
He will appear at a sentence hearing on September 19 by audiovisual link from jail.
NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday called on the independent MP to resign immediately, saying it would be 'ridiculous' for him to continue serving the state after being found guilty of sexual abuse.
The premier said he had received legal advice that the former Liberal could be expelled from parliament if required.
Ward has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections under the Liberal banner before securing the 2023 poll as an independent.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Dan Tehan flags gas is crucial moving forward as Coalition's net zero review could take up to a year to settle on final outcome
Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan has flagged gas as a crucial element in the Coalition's energy policy moving forward and confirmed the ongoing review into net zero could take up to a year. Net zero has become a critical issue for the Coalition, with former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack tabling a Private Member's Bill last week aimed at overhauling all climate related policies. Numerous Nationals and Liberal backbenchers have publicly spoken out against the controversial policy despite Liberal leader Sussan Ley touting reducing emissions as a top priority for the Coalition. Ms Ley told Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell on Thursday she wanted to develop an energy policy focussed on manufacturing while making power more affordable and also reducing emissions. As the Coalition's working group continues its review on the polarising issue, Mr Tehan, who is leading the policy review, told Sky News' Sunday Agenda that the process could take 'nine to 12 months". 'We've got to work out: okay, what will our nuclear policy be? What will our gas policy be? What will we do with state governments that continue to provide subsidies to keep coal-fired power stations going?' Mr Tehan said. The Nationals are also conducting a review to determine its position on net zero, with the process being led by vocal climate critic Senator Matt Canavan. When asked by Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell what the Coalition's approach on coal would be, Mr Tehan said the working group had a lot to consider and that gas would be an important factor moving forwards. 'We've said the first focus is going to be on gas,' Mr Tehan said. Mr Tehan reiterated he wanted the review to result in a sustainable and coherent policy position and said the Liberal and National parties needed to find common ground on the issue. He said it was vital that the two political camps 'agree on a policy moving forward" and added that another Coalition split would 'not do the cause on the centre-right of Australian politics any good whatsoever'. 'I think all of us, as individuals – all members of both the Liberal Party and the National Party – have to think very seriously about that over the next 12 to 24 months," he said.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Green light for cable, but premier's path to power dims
A "transformative, nation-building" energy project has been given the environmental green light to proceed, but risks dimming a premier's electoral hopes. The multi-billion-dollar Marinus Link cable will boost electricity transmission between Tasmania and Victoria and is seen as pivotal in increasing green energy investment. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff signed up to the joint Victoria and Commonwealth investment contract on Friday, while in caretaker mode and a day before the deadline. The federal government on Sunday lifted another hurdle for the construction and operation of the 1500 megawatt undersea electricity and fibre optics cable. "The Albanese government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria while unlocking clean and reliable energy," Environment Minister Murray Watt said in a statement. Construction of stage one, a 750-megawatt undersea cable, is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2030. It will have enough power to supply 750,000 homes and enhance internet connectivity. It comes as the final makeup of Tasmania's parliament was decided after a snap election, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents elected. Major parties are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the required 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. But Labor, the Greens and several independents have lashed Mr Rockliff over what they say was a "sham" process to green-light the Marinus Link. Non-Liberal MPs were given a confidential briefing on the project on Tuesday, while the whole-of-state business case was not released before the deal was signed. Craig Garland, one of four independents on the cross bench, has ruled out supporting a Liberal government over their "secret" rushed decision. Independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George were also critical of the process, with the latter saying Mr Rockliff was undermining the prospect of a full-term, well-run minority government. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier's decision to proceed with one of the nation's biggest projects with little consultation showed he was incapable of genuinely working across the parliament. Labor's Sarah Lovell said the decision was at odds with the premier's promise of transparency. Mr Rockliff said the deal had capped Tasmania's equity share at $103.5 million - 4.27 per cent of the project's cost. However, the business case forecasts an increase in state net debt to $19 billion in 2031/32 as a result of the project. A "transformative, nation-building" energy project has been given the environmental green light to proceed, but risks dimming a premier's electoral hopes. The multi-billion-dollar Marinus Link cable will boost electricity transmission between Tasmania and Victoria and is seen as pivotal in increasing green energy investment. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff signed up to the joint Victoria and Commonwealth investment contract on Friday, while in caretaker mode and a day before the deadline. The federal government on Sunday lifted another hurdle for the construction and operation of the 1500 megawatt undersea electricity and fibre optics cable. "The Albanese government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria while unlocking clean and reliable energy," Environment Minister Murray Watt said in a statement. Construction of stage one, a 750-megawatt undersea cable, is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2030. It will have enough power to supply 750,000 homes and enhance internet connectivity. It comes as the final makeup of Tasmania's parliament was decided after a snap election, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents elected. Major parties are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the required 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. But Labor, the Greens and several independents have lashed Mr Rockliff over what they say was a "sham" process to green-light the Marinus Link. Non-Liberal MPs were given a confidential briefing on the project on Tuesday, while the whole-of-state business case was not released before the deal was signed. Craig Garland, one of four independents on the cross bench, has ruled out supporting a Liberal government over their "secret" rushed decision. Independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George were also critical of the process, with the latter saying Mr Rockliff was undermining the prospect of a full-term, well-run minority government. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier's decision to proceed with one of the nation's biggest projects with little consultation showed he was incapable of genuinely working across the parliament. Labor's Sarah Lovell said the decision was at odds with the premier's promise of transparency. Mr Rockliff said the deal had capped Tasmania's equity share at $103.5 million - 4.27 per cent of the project's cost. However, the business case forecasts an increase in state net debt to $19 billion in 2031/32 as a result of the project. A "transformative, nation-building" energy project has been given the environmental green light to proceed, but risks dimming a premier's electoral hopes. The multi-billion-dollar Marinus Link cable will boost electricity transmission between Tasmania and Victoria and is seen as pivotal in increasing green energy investment. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff signed up to the joint Victoria and Commonwealth investment contract on Friday, while in caretaker mode and a day before the deadline. The federal government on Sunday lifted another hurdle for the construction and operation of the 1500 megawatt undersea electricity and fibre optics cable. "The Albanese government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria while unlocking clean and reliable energy," Environment Minister Murray Watt said in a statement. Construction of stage one, a 750-megawatt undersea cable, is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2030. It will have enough power to supply 750,000 homes and enhance internet connectivity. It comes as the final makeup of Tasmania's parliament was decided after a snap election, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents elected. Major parties are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the required 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. But Labor, the Greens and several independents have lashed Mr Rockliff over what they say was a "sham" process to green-light the Marinus Link. Non-Liberal MPs were given a confidential briefing on the project on Tuesday, while the whole-of-state business case was not released before the deal was signed. Craig Garland, one of four independents on the cross bench, has ruled out supporting a Liberal government over their "secret" rushed decision. Independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George were also critical of the process, with the latter saying Mr Rockliff was undermining the prospect of a full-term, well-run minority government. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier's decision to proceed with one of the nation's biggest projects with little consultation showed he was incapable of genuinely working across the parliament. Labor's Sarah Lovell said the decision was at odds with the premier's promise of transparency. Mr Rockliff said the deal had capped Tasmania's equity share at $103.5 million - 4.27 per cent of the project's cost. However, the business case forecasts an increase in state net debt to $19 billion in 2031/32 as a result of the project. A "transformative, nation-building" energy project has been given the environmental green light to proceed, but risks dimming a premier's electoral hopes. The multi-billion-dollar Marinus Link cable will boost electricity transmission between Tasmania and Victoria and is seen as pivotal in increasing green energy investment. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff signed up to the joint Victoria and Commonwealth investment contract on Friday, while in caretaker mode and a day before the deadline. The federal government on Sunday lifted another hurdle for the construction and operation of the 1500 megawatt undersea electricity and fibre optics cable. "The Albanese government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria while unlocking clean and reliable energy," Environment Minister Murray Watt said in a statement. Construction of stage one, a 750-megawatt undersea cable, is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2030. It will have enough power to supply 750,000 homes and enhance internet connectivity. It comes as the final makeup of Tasmania's parliament was decided after a snap election, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents elected. Major parties are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the required 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. But Labor, the Greens and several independents have lashed Mr Rockliff over what they say was a "sham" process to green-light the Marinus Link. Non-Liberal MPs were given a confidential briefing on the project on Tuesday, while the whole-of-state business case was not released before the deal was signed. Craig Garland, one of four independents on the cross bench, has ruled out supporting a Liberal government over their "secret" rushed decision. Independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George were also critical of the process, with the latter saying Mr Rockliff was undermining the prospect of a full-term, well-run minority government. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier's decision to proceed with one of the nation's biggest projects with little consultation showed he was incapable of genuinely working across the parliament. Labor's Sarah Lovell said the decision was at odds with the premier's promise of transparency. Mr Rockliff said the deal had capped Tasmania's equity share at $103.5 million - 4.27 per cent of the project's cost. However, the business case forecasts an increase in state net debt to $19 billion in 2031/32 as a result of the project.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
Green light for cable, but premier's path to power dims
A "transformative, nation-building" energy project has been given the environmental green light to proceed, but risks dimming a premier's electoral hopes. The multi-billion-dollar Marinus Link cable will boost electricity transmission between Tasmania and Victoria and is seen as pivotal in increasing green energy investment. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff signed up to the joint Victoria and Commonwealth investment contract on Friday, while in caretaker mode and a day before the deadline. The federal government on Sunday lifted another hurdle for the construction and operation of the 1500 megawatt undersea electricity and fibre optics cable. "The Albanese government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria while unlocking clean and reliable energy," Environment Minister Murray Watt said in a statement. Construction of stage one, a 750-megawatt undersea cable, is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2030. It will have enough power to supply 750,000 homes and enhance internet connectivity. It comes as the final makeup of Tasmania's parliament was decided after a snap election, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents elected. Major parties are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the required 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. But Labor, the Greens and several independents have lashed Mr Rockliff over what they say was a "sham" process to green-light the Marinus Link. Non-Liberal MPs were given a confidential briefing on the project on Tuesday, while the whole-of-state business case was not released before the deal was signed. Craig Garland, one of four independents on the cross bench, has ruled out supporting a Liberal government over their "secret" rushed decision. Independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George were also critical of the process, with the latter saying Mr Rockliff was undermining the prospect of a full-term, well-run minority government. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier's decision to proceed with one of the nation's biggest projects with little consultation showed he was incapable of genuinely working across the parliament. Labor's Sarah Lovell said the decision was at odds with the premier's promise of transparency. Mr Rockliff said the deal had capped Tasmania's equity share at $103.5 million - 4.27 per cent of the project's cost. However, the business case forecasts an increase in state net debt to $19 billion in 2031/32 as a result of the project.
