Ward, found guilty of sexual assaults, has sparked public outrage and calls for his resignation, despite pursuing an appeal.
**Australian Politician Fights to Retain Parliamentary Seat from Jail after Rape Conviction**
**Australian Politician Fights to Retain Parliamentary Seat from Jail after Rape Conviction**
A convicted rapist and current NSW parliament member, Gareth Ward, is contesting his expulsion while awaiting sentencing.
The beleaguered political landscape of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is witnessing a gripping saga as Gareth Ward, a state parliament member convicted of rape, battles to retain his position while imprisoned. Last month, the 44-year-old was found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, ages 18 and 24, at his home between 2013 and 2015. Now in custody, Ward is awaiting sentencing while pursuing an appeal on the conviction.
The legislature planned to expel Ward this week following his refusal to resign voluntarily. However, his legal team is preparing to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court, seeking an injunction to halt the expulsion. “He’s got no shame,” remarked NSW Premier Chris Minns during a recent interview on local radio, underscoring his disbelief that Ward is fighting to maintain his parliamentary status from behind bars. The Premier referred to the situation as "unconscionable."
Calls for Ward to step aside are not limited to the Premier; the Opposition leader, Mark Speakman, has expressed outrage at the situation. Speakman stated, “Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It’s not just wrong, it’s offensive.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among constituents, who are demanding accountability and integrity from their elected representatives.
Despite the mounting pressure to resign, Ward, who had previously stepped down from ministerial responsibilities and the Liberal Party amid allegations in 2021, was re-elected as Kiama's representative in 2023. The potential expulsion from parliament could lead to a by-election in the region, with implications for local governance.
Ward is set to be sentenced next month, facing charges that include three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. This case continues to capture public attention, raising critical questions about the standards expected from lawmakers and the potential ramifications of their actions.
The legislature planned to expel Ward this week following his refusal to resign voluntarily. However, his legal team is preparing to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court, seeking an injunction to halt the expulsion. “He’s got no shame,” remarked NSW Premier Chris Minns during a recent interview on local radio, underscoring his disbelief that Ward is fighting to maintain his parliamentary status from behind bars. The Premier referred to the situation as "unconscionable."
Calls for Ward to step aside are not limited to the Premier; the Opposition leader, Mark Speakman, has expressed outrage at the situation. Speakman stated, “Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It’s not just wrong, it’s offensive.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among constituents, who are demanding accountability and integrity from their elected representatives.
Despite the mounting pressure to resign, Ward, who had previously stepped down from ministerial responsibilities and the Liberal Party amid allegations in 2021, was re-elected as Kiama's representative in 2023. The potential expulsion from parliament could lead to a by-election in the region, with implications for local governance.
Ward is set to be sentenced next month, facing charges that include three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. This case continues to capture public attention, raising critical questions about the standards expected from lawmakers and the potential ramifications of their actions.
