Minns snubs Gareth Ward over sexual assault allegations

Chris Minns has snubbed Gareth Ward in parliament as the embattled MP continues to fight sexual assault allegations.

Embattled MP Gareth Ward’s questions to Chris Minns went unanswered on Wednesday after the NSW premier snubbed him in reaction to ongoing sexual assault allegations.

Mr Minns said he would not answer any questions put to him on the floor of parliament by the member for Kiama until a parliamentary privileges inquiry was completed.

“I think it appropriate given the context of that inquiry and effectively their judgment on his future tenure and any questions that he asked me and my ministers be taken under advice,” Mr Minns said.

“I’ll reply formally to his inquiries.

“It’s up to the privileges inquiry with the recommendation for his continued service in the Legislative Assembly. Based on that reason I’m going to take any questions that he asks of the government on notice until we get a determination.”

Mr Ward is currently battling allegations he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old man and had non-consensual sexual intercourse with another man in his 20s at his Potts Point apartment. He has plead not guilty to the charges.

Premier Chris Minns refused to answer Gareth Ward’s questions in parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

A motion was passed on Wednesday afternoon requesting the parliamentary privileges committee report on members who are facing criminal charges. Local government minister Ron Hoenig presented the motion saying he would not name any member directly as they should be “entitled to a fair trial”. Mr Ward was not directly named in the motion.

Mr Ward had earlier asked during question time whether the premier would support a government inquiry into disability inclusion in NSW. Mr Minns had said he would take the question on notice.

Mr Ward said he was disappointed the premier did not answer his question.

“Mr Minns refusal to answer my questions on disability policy is something you’d expect from an opposition leader, not a premier,” he said.

“Refusing to answer my questions doesn’t disrespect me, it’s disrespectful to every person in the Kiama electorate and people with disabilities that need a voice.

“I was somewhat shocked that the premier boasted about snubbing a measured and reasonable question about an important issue.”

Mr Ward said he was unaware any referral had been made to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.

Opposition leader Mark Speakman said Mr Minn’s snub of the Kiama MP was offensive.

“It was offensive to the electors who know what the allegations are against Mr Ward but nevertheless voted him in to be their representative,” Mr Speakman said.

“It was also offensive to people with disability … Mr Ward had a perfectly legitimate question about that and it should have been answered in the conventional way.”

Mr Ward retained his seat of Kiama, running as an independent after being suspended from the Liberal when the charges were laid. The matter is still before the courts.