Gareth Ward Resigns from Australian Parliament After Legal Setback

In a significant political development, Australian politician Gareth Ward has resigned from parliament shortly before being expelled following his conviction for sexual assault.

Gareth Ward, a 44-year-old independent MP representing Kiama, has officially resigned from the New South Wales (NSW) parliament after losing a legal challenge that sought to prevent his expulsion. His resignation from the position as of Friday morning was a last-minute decision, made mere hours before a scheduled vote to remove him amid his conviction for the sexual assault of two young men between 2013 and 2015.

Ward’s legal effort was dismissed by the court earlier this week, which rejected his claims that the expulsion process was undemocratic. With his parliamentary resignation, effective at 09:08 local time, Ward effectively forfeits his salary as he prepares for sentencing next month. The verdict has ignited a political firestorm, as his departure necessitates a by-election for the south-coast NSW seat he has held since 2011.

In 2021, Gareth Ward resigned from the state government cabinet and left the Liberal Party but continued to serve as an MP after being re-elected in 2023. Despite his legal team insisting that attempts to remove him from parliament before appealing were an affront to democracy, NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized Ward’s decision to remain in parliament given the severity of his charges. “How can you represent your community from behind bars?” Minns asked.

Opposition leader Mark Speakman also condemned Ward’s legal strategy, characterizing it as an irresponsible attempt to manipulate the situation and undermine public trust. As Ward intends to appeal the verdict, the political landscape in NSW is set to change as constituents prepare to vote in an upcoming by-election.