NSW parliamentary colleagues react to Gareth Ward’s guilty verdict, political future

Convicted rapist Gareth Ward could be suspended from parliament next month, with the Minns government vowing to take action after the MP was found guilty of sexually abusing two men. Here’s what to expect.

Independent MP Gareth Ward, who was on Friday found guilty of rape and sexual abuse, faces being booted from parliament unless he resigns.

Mr Ward, who was re-elected as Kiama MP after being charged, is facing a bipartisan call to resign after he was found guilty on Friday of three counts of assault against an 18-year-old man at Meroo Meadow in 2013 and one count of intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015.

Mr Ward is set to face a suspension motion when parliament resumes next month, although he will not automatically be disqualified from being an MP until all appeals are exhausted.

A government spokeswoman called on Mr Ward to “to resign immediately”.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward who has been found guilty of four counts of assault and intercourse without consent. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Firstly, our thoughts are with the victim-survivors, whose strength and courage in coming forward must be recognised and respected,” the spokeswoman said.

“The trial of Mr Gareth Ward has now concluded, and Mr Ward has been found guilty. Mr Ward’s position in the Parliament is no longer tenable, and as such we call on him to resign immediately.

“Should Mr Ward refuse to resign, the Government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly’s integrity.”

Mark Speakman condemned the MP’s behaviour. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Mr Ward sits in parliament as an independent MP; he was dumped from the Liberal Party when he was charged.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman initially stopped short of calling for Mr Ward’s resignation following the guilty verdict.

However, just after 8pm, Mr Speakman said the Kiama MP “must resign”.

“If Mr Ward does not resign, then upon its resumption the Parliament should swiftly take all appropriate steps to protect its integrity,” he said.

Premier Chris Minns government has called on Gareth Ward to resign immediately. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

The steps being considered include moving a motion to suspend Mr Ward - but not expel him - meaning he will still be an MP, and still collecting a paycheck.

Politicians convicted of offences punishable by five-years’ imprisonment or more – are automatically disqualified from sitting in parliament. However, they are only booted at the end of the appeal process.

Constitutional law expert Anne Twomey said the constitution “takes into account the possibility of a successful appeal”. Disqualification therefore only happens once an appeal has been determined, if the conviction has not been quashed, once the time has expired for initiating an appeal if no appeal has been lodged, or at the time any appeal is withdrawn before being heard,” she said.

“In the meantime, the Legislative Assembly could choose to suspend the Member, pending the determination of any appeal or disqualification occurring.’”

Originally published as NSW parliamentary colleagues react to Gareth Ward’s guilty verdict, political future