NSW Police investigate two Gareth Ward sex assault allegations

A crisis enveloping the NSW government has deepened with police sources confirming two separate allegations were levelled against Gareth Ward.

Embattled former NSW minister Gareth Ward is facing allegations of indecent behaviour against two ­separate men.

A crisis enveloping the state government deepened last night with NSW Police sources confirming there were two active investigations into separate allegations levelled against the MP. Mr Ward denies any wrongdoing.

NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward has stepped aside from his ministerial roles. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The 39-year-old moderate powerbroker and factional ally of Premier Gladys Berejiklian stepped down from the ministry on Thursday after identifying himself as the MP at the centre of allegations made by one man.

The Saturday Telegraph understands one alleged victim, who was a young man at the time, made a statement to detectives this year ­accusing Mr Ward of indecently assaulting him.

The incident allegedly ­occurred at Mr Ward’s Meroo Meadow home in the Illawarra on a night in 2013, when Mr Ward was two years into his career in public office and was heavily ­involved with the Young Liberals movement.

A second, older man ­alleges he was sexually ­assaulted in a hotel room. It is understood the incident is more recent than the first ­allegation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian addressing the Gareth Ward allegations at a press conference on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is leading the investigation but it is understood police were yet to speak to Mr Ward about the hotel allegations.

Sources close to the case believe Mr Ward was made aware of the 2013 allegations levelled against him earlier.

Ms Berejiklian claimed she had no prior knowledge and only learned of the ­investigation in media reports on Thursday.

“What transpired yesterday afternoon was extremely concerning and distressing,” she said yesterday.

“Mr Ward has done the right thing in stepping aside from his ministry and ­obviously the Liberal party room. As I understand it, he has not been contacted by police and the extent of any allegations are unknown.”

Mr Ward said on Thursday he would move to the crossbench.

“Until this matter is ­resolved, it is appropriate I stand aside from my role as minister,” he said. “I will also remove myself from the Liberal party room.”

The MP, who has denied any wrongdoing, was elected to public office in 2011.

He has a long ­involvement in the Young Liberals, particularly the Shoalhaven branch he joined as a 16-year-old before his political ascent.

He was made a life member of the Young Liberals in 2019.

Facing minority, the ­government was reeling on Friday from yet another minister being forced to stand down ahead of the crucial Hunter by-election, in the wake of Nationals MP Michael Johnsen quitting in the face of accusations he raped a sex worker in the Blue Mountains.

Former Liberal MP John Sidoti stood down from ­cabinet in March after ­becoming the subject of an ICAC investigation.

Attempts to contact Mr Ward on Friday were ­unsuccessful.