NSW parliament expected to vote on expelling MP Gareth Ward after rape conviction
The Legislative Assembly is expected to consider the Labor government's motion to remove Ward as parliament returns, which if successful, would mark the first expulsion from the NSW Lower House since 1917.
NewsWire understands the motion will be moved on Tuesday and debated in Parliament on Wednesday.
In July, Ward was found guilty of three counts of assault with act of indecency against an 18-year-old man at Meroo Meadow in 2013 and intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015.
Since his arrest in 2022, Ward has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
He was suspended from and left the Liberal Party in 2022 after being charged, but successfully recontested the seat of Kiama as an independent and was re-elected in 2023.
He was taken into custody on remand last week and is due to be sentenced on September 19.
On Friday, he confirmed plans to appeal the verdict, saying he was 'absolutely shattered' by the outcome.
'I am absolutely shattered with the result of the trial and have taken the opportunity over the last few days to spend time with those I love following the verdict,' Ward said in a statement.
'I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity.'
There is no means of automatic expulsion unless a sitting member is sentenced to more than 12 months in prison, meaning Parliament must vote to expel him or he must resign.
Despite widespread calls for his resignation, including from Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Ward has made no move to step down.
Mr Minns said it was 'completely ridiculous' for a convicted offender to remain in parliament.
'It is completely ridiculous to be in a situation where someone has been not accused, not charged, but convicted of incredibly serious offences and stay as a member of parliament,' Mr Minns said on Monday.
'I haven't spoken to all of my colleagues, and I haven't spoken to the crossbench or the opposition about it, but it would seem ridiculous that he would continue as a member of parliament.'
Mr Speakman said the fact Ward is now in custody made the case for his removal even stronger.
'If he won't resign, parliament has to take every available legal step to remove him,' he said.
Labor is expected to move the motion on Tuesday under Standing Order 254, which allows parliament to expel a member for conduct deemed 'unworthy' of the house.
Mr Minns confirmed the parliament had the power to remove Ward but noted it was important that the Legislative Assembly's decision 'is not punitive'.
'The punitive measure is up to the NSW court. It's not up to parliament,' he said.
'They'll make the decision about what punishment is applied, not us.'
The motion is expected to pass comfortably with support from both major parties.
Ward's discharge from parliament would trigger a by-election in the seat of Kiama.
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