In a stunning turn of events, Gareth Ward, a 44-year-old Australian politician, has resigned from the New South Wales (NSW) parliament just hours before he was set to be expelled following a conviction for sexual assault. Having been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men aged 18 and 24 between 2013 and 2015, Ward is currently awaiting sentencing after being taken into custody.
In an effort to delay his expulsion, Ward attempted to mount a legal challenge earlier this week, claiming that the parliament's move to remove him was an “affront” to democracy. However, his arguments were dismissed by the court, which upheld the decision to expel him from the parliament. The vote for his removal was scheduled for 10:30 AM local time, but Ward submitted his resignation letter two hours earlier, at 9:08 AM.
Ward's exit from the parliament, where he has served since 2011, means he will no longer receive a parliamentary salary. This resignation not only paves the way for a by-election in the Kiama electorate but also raises questions surrounding the integrity of individuals holding public office amidst allegations of serious criminal offenses. In 2021, Ward had previously stepped down from his role as a state government minister and left the Liberal Party, yet continued to serve as an independent member until now.
NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized the delayed resignation, stating that an individual convicted of severe charges like sexual assault should not occupy a position of public trust. Opposition leader Mark Speakman condemned Ward's legal maneuvering as disgraceful and accused him of manipulating the situation. With sentencing set for next month, Ward has indicated plans to appeal his conviction, leaving a complex legal and political saga unfolding in Australia.
