NSW Premier Chris Minns to refer Kiama MP Gareth Ward to parliamentary privileges committee

Premier Chris Minns has been called a “tad salty” by independent MP Gareth Ward after he shared his surprised the Member for Kiama had been re-elected in the wake of serious criminal charges.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has called NSW Premier, Chris Minns, 'a tad salty' after remarks on his election win. Pictures: File.

Premier Chris Minns has been called a “tad salty” by independent MP Gareth Ward after he revealed he was surprised the Member for Kiama was re-elected in the wake of serious criminal charges.

Mr Minns, speaking at Moruya on the state’s south coast on Friday, confirmed his would refer Mr Ward to the parliament’s powerful privileges committee, rather than resuspending him from the chamber as originally promised in the election.

“We believe it is an appropriate step to take given the people of Kiama have returned him into the NSW Parliament,” he said.

Mr Ward was charged in March 2022 with sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency and one count of common assault. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges and will stand trial in April 2024.

The privileges committee reviews and reports on matters related to privilege and ethical standards in parliament, including the MP’s code of conduct. The committee will ultimately recommend to the government whether Mr Ward should be allowed to sit in parliament or not.

NSW Premier Chris Minns made the Gareth Ward remarks at a press conference in Moruya on Friday. Picture: Tom McGann.

Mr Ward said he would still be able to sit in parliament and represent Kiama while the committee made their recommendations.

“It’s not up to Mr Minns and Labor to determine who gets to represent local communities in parliament,” he said.

NSW MP Gareth Ward leaving Downing Centre Court in February. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“The same process that elected him to parliament elected me. Whilst I know Mr Minns might be a tad salty that his candidate didn’t win, that doesn’t give him the right to reject the decision of my local community.”

Both men exchanged the remarks just one day after Mr Ward’s trial date was set for April 2024.

The allegations ultimately led to Mr Ward being removed from the Liberal Party room and moved to the cross bench before being suspended from sitting in parliament last year.

Mr Ward has been on bail since and he has strenuously denied the allegations, including telling the media after his March appearance in Nowra District Court, he would “prove his innocence”.

“There’s a lot of things I’d like to say about this case, but I am prohibited from saying what I’d like to say,” he said. “This matter is something that’s been dragging on for the last two years and it has been a really difficult two years, but I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to prove my innocence.”