Undie-Gate MP Gareth Ward cleared of wrongdoing by NSW parliamentary probe

A parliamentary committee has found no issues with a state MP trying to enter NSW Parliament at 4am on a Sunday morning without pants or shoes.

Members of parliament have been given the all-clear to turn up to work in underwear and socks in the middle of the night.

A parliamentary committee has found no issues with Kiama MP Gareth Ward trying to enter NSW Parliament at 4am on a Sunday morning without pants or shoes.

Mr Ward’s early morning entrance to parliament was revealed by The Daily Telegraph in September, with the story sending shockwaves through Macquarie Street.

At the time, Mr Ward said he had been locked out of his house after being woken by a noise.

“Given it was freezing at around 4am in July, with no prospect of getting a locksmith, not having my phone and with my property around eight minutes walk/jog to Parliament, I went to Parliament to get my spare key,” he said.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has been cleared by a parliamentary committee. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

A screen grab from the CCTV footage outside NSW Parliament.

The matter was referred to parliament’s Privileges Committee, which probes alleged wrongdoing by members.

The Telegraph learned details of a secret security report into the incident, and separately obtained footage of Mr Ward attempting to access parliament via a freedom of information request.

The committee “unanimously” cleared Mr Ward of wrongdoing.

The committee unanimously cleared Kiama MP Gareth Ward of wrongdoing. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

His actions “did not give rise to any complaints, or any safety or welfare concerns for the staff or other individuals involved at the time the Member accessed and entered Parliament, nor have any such complaints been received since that time,” its report said.

“There are no offences or other matters arising from the Member’s conduct in entering the Parliament building on 21 July 2024 that warrant the consideration of any action by the House.”

In his foreword to the report, committee chair Alex Greenwich said that MPs can access parliament “safely and securely at any time,” even if they have lost their pass.

The committee said it was “concerning” that details of a top-secret security report about the incident was leaked to the Telegraph.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]