'Ridiculous': Premier demands disgraced MP's resignation
The premier told reporters on Monday it is "ridiculous" that the dumped Liberal-turned-independent for Kiama should stay as a sitting member, and that parliament must protect its integrity.
"It is completely ... ridiculous to be in a situation where someone has been, not accused, not charged, but convicted of incredibly serious sexual assault convictions and stay as a member of parliament," Mr Minns said.
"You name one workplace in the whole world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time."
Following a nine-week trial, Ward was found guilty last Friday of sexual intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in 2015, and three counts of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in 2013.
The scandal-plagued MP vehemently denied the allegations since being charged in 2022.
The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent is 14 years' imprisonment.
Ward was often seen smiling as he arrived and left court each day, but he left the precinct stone-faced and silent while being chased by the media scrum after the verdict. Within hours, his social media accounts were deactivated.
Mr Minns said the government had received legal advice about the Legislative Assembly being able to remove Ward from parliament, even with an appeal pending.
He said any action taken by NSW Parliament would not be punitive, but that it must protect its own integrity.
Ward, the former minister for families, communities, and disability services, remains on bail and must report to police daily as part of his conditions.
Prosecutors will apply to detain him in custody on Wednesday.
Mr Minns said many constituents would question whether a convicted sex offender would continue in their role.
"Many taxpayers, many voters, would say 'Are you really suggesting that someone who has been convicted of these incredibly serious charges continues on as a member of parliament even when they are in jail?" the premier said.
He also praised the victims and said he didn't want their "enormous courage" to get lost in a "political bun fight" over Ward's future career.
"If you speak to survivors of this kind of sexual assault, they will tell you that going through the process of reporting it to the police and then a criminal trial turns your life upside down all over again," the premier said.
"That should not be forgotten in all this."
Both men testified in court about their initial hesitation to come forward to police after grappling for years with self-blame and fear of Ward's power.
Despite the convictions, some Kiama residents, including Lyn and John Gibson, expressed their continued support for Ward on Monday.
Mrs Gibson said she would "vote for him (Ward) again tomorrow".
"We've been very supportive of him," Mr Gibson said.
Adam, who asked for his surname not to be published, said he "wasn't comfortable with someone with that sort of conviction representing the community".
He believed if Ward didn't resign, it would add "insult to the injury" of the two victims.
Lyn and John Brown, who were visiting Kiama from Wollongong, felt Ward should resign immediately.
"I feel pleased he was convicted," Mrs Brown said.
Kenneth Watson, who has previously handed out election pamphlets for Ward, said he was shocked by the verdict.
"He's done a fantastic job as a local member, better than most politicians," Mr Watson said.
A by-election will be triggered if a motion is put forward to expel Ward from parliament.
The Minns Government and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman both issued statements last Friday calling for the MP to resign, signalling that a motion put forward by the premier is likely to be supported.
A successful motion would take immediate effect and would need to be passed by the Legislative Assembly, rather than needing to pass both houses.
Without an expulsion motion, Ward would not be automatically disqualified from being an MP until the appeals process has been exhausted.
Ward will receive his sentence date on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has demanded disgraced state MP Gareth Ward resign after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men.
The premier told reporters on Monday it is "ridiculous" that the dumped Liberal-turned-independent for Kiama should stay as a sitting member, and that parliament must protect its integrity.
"It is completely ... ridiculous to be in a situation where someone has been, not accused, not charged, but convicted of incredibly serious sexual assault convictions and stay as a member of parliament," Mr Minns said.
"You name one workplace in the whole world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time."
Following a nine-week trial, Ward was found guilty last Friday of sexual intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in 2015, and three counts of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in 2013.
The scandal-plagued MP vehemently denied the allegations since being charged in 2022.
The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent is 14 years' imprisonment.
Ward was often seen smiling as he arrived and left court each day, but he left the precinct stone-faced and silent while being chased by the media scrum after the verdict. Within hours, his social media accounts were deactivated.
Mr Minns said the government had received legal advice about the Legislative Assembly being able to remove Ward from parliament, even with an appeal pending.
He said any action taken by NSW Parliament would not be punitive, but that it must protect its own integrity.
Ward, the former minister for families, communities, and disability services, remains on bail and must report to police daily as part of his conditions.
Prosecutors will apply to detain him in custody on Wednesday.
Mr Minns said many constituents would question whether a convicted sex offender would continue in their role.
"Many taxpayers, many voters, would say 'Are you really suggesting that someone who has been convicted of these incredibly serious charges continues on as a member of parliament even when they are in jail?" the premier said.
He also praised the victims and said he didn't want their "enormous courage" to get lost in a "political bun fight" over Ward's future career.
"If you speak to survivors of this kind of sexual assault, they will tell you that going through the process of reporting it to the police and then a criminal trial turns your life upside down all over again," the premier said.
"That should not be forgotten in all this."
Both men testified in court about their initial hesitation to come forward to police after grappling for years with self-blame and fear of Ward's power.
Despite the convictions, some Kiama residents, including Lyn and John Gibson, expressed their continued support for Ward on Monday.
Mrs Gibson said she would "vote for him (Ward) again tomorrow".
"We've been very supportive of him," Mr Gibson said.
Adam, who asked for his surname not to be published, said he "wasn't comfortable with someone with that sort of conviction representing the community".
He believed if Ward didn't resign, it would add "insult to the injury" of the two victims.
Lyn and John Brown, who were visiting Kiama from Wollongong, felt Ward should resign immediately.
"I feel pleased he was convicted," Mrs Brown said.
Kenneth Watson, who has previously handed out election pamphlets for Ward, said he was shocked by the verdict.
"He's done a fantastic job as a local member, better than most politicians," Mr Watson said.
A by-election will be triggered if a motion is put forward to expel Ward from parliament.
The Minns Government and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman both issued statements last Friday calling for the MP to resign, signalling that a motion put forward by the premier is likely to be supported.
A successful motion would take immediate effect and would need to be passed by the Legislative Assembly, rather than needing to pass both houses.
Without an expulsion motion, Ward would not be automatically disqualified from being an MP until the appeals process has been exhausted.
Ward will receive his sentence date on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has demanded disgraced state MP Gareth Ward resign after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men.
The premier told reporters on Monday it is "ridiculous" that the dumped Liberal-turned-independent for Kiama should stay as a sitting member, and that parliament must protect its integrity.
"It is completely ... ridiculous to be in a situation where someone has been, not accused, not charged, but convicted of incredibly serious sexual assault convictions and stay as a member of parliament," Mr Minns said.
"You name one workplace in the whole world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time."
Following a nine-week trial, Ward was found guilty last Friday of sexual intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in 2015, and three counts of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in 2013.
The scandal-plagued MP vehemently denied the allegations since being charged in 2022.
The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent is 14 years' imprisonment.
Ward was often seen smiling as he arrived and left court each day, but he left the precinct stone-faced and silent while being chased by the media scrum after the verdict. Within hours, his social media accounts were deactivated.
Mr Minns said the government had received legal advice about the Legislative Assembly being able to remove Ward from parliament, even with an appeal pending.
He said any action taken by NSW Parliament would not be punitive, but that it must protect its own integrity.
Ward, the former minister for families, communities, and disability services, remains on bail and must report to police daily as part of his conditions.
Prosecutors will apply to detain him in custody on Wednesday.
Mr Minns said many constituents would question whether a convicted sex offender would continue in their role.
"Many taxpayers, many voters, would say 'Are you really suggesting that someone who has been convicted of these incredibly serious charges continues on as a member of parliament even when they are in jail?" the premier said.
He also praised the victims and said he didn't want their "enormous courage" to get lost in a "political bun fight" over Ward's future career.
"If you speak to survivors of this kind of sexual assault, they will tell you that going through the process of reporting it to the police and then a criminal trial turns your life upside down all over again," the premier said.
"That should not be forgotten in all this."
Both men testified in court about their initial hesitation to come forward to police after grappling for years with self-blame and fear of Ward's power.
Despite the convictions, some Kiama residents, including Lyn and John Gibson, expressed their continued support for Ward on Monday.
Mrs Gibson said she would "vote for him (Ward) again tomorrow".
"We've been very supportive of him," Mr Gibson said.
Adam, who asked for his surname not to be published, said he "wasn't comfortable with someone with that sort of conviction representing the community".
He believed if Ward didn't resign, it would add "insult to the injury" of the two victims.
Lyn and John Brown, who were visiting Kiama from Wollongong, felt Ward should resign immediately.
"I feel pleased he was convicted," Mrs Brown said.
Kenneth Watson, who has previously handed out election pamphlets for Ward, said he was shocked by the verdict.
"He's done a fantastic job as a local member, better than most politicians," Mr Watson said.
A by-election will be triggered if a motion is put forward to expel Ward from parliament.
The Minns Government and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman both issued statements last Friday calling for the MP to resign, signalling that a motion put forward by the premier is likely to be supported.
A successful motion would take immediate effect and would need to be passed by the Legislative Assembly, rather than needing to pass both houses.
Without an expulsion motion, Ward would not be automatically disqualified from being an MP until the appeals process has been exhausted.
Ward will receive his sentence date on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has demanded disgraced state MP Gareth Ward resign after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men.
The premier told reporters on Monday it is "ridiculous" that the dumped Liberal-turned-independent for Kiama should stay as a sitting member, and that parliament must protect its integrity.
"It is completely ... ridiculous to be in a situation where someone has been, not accused, not charged, but convicted of incredibly serious sexual assault convictions and stay as a member of parliament," Mr Minns said.
"You name one workplace in the whole world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time."
Following a nine-week trial, Ward was found guilty last Friday of sexual intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in 2015, and three counts of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in 2013.
The scandal-plagued MP vehemently denied the allegations since being charged in 2022.
The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent is 14 years' imprisonment.
Ward was often seen smiling as he arrived and left court each day, but he left the precinct stone-faced and silent while being chased by the media scrum after the verdict. Within hours, his social media accounts were deactivated.
Mr Minns said the government had received legal advice about the Legislative Assembly being able to remove Ward from parliament, even with an appeal pending.
He said any action taken by NSW Parliament would not be punitive, but that it must protect its own integrity.
Ward, the former minister for families, communities, and disability services, remains on bail and must report to police daily as part of his conditions.
Prosecutors will apply to detain him in custody on Wednesday.
Mr Minns said many constituents would question whether a convicted sex offender would continue in their role.
"Many taxpayers, many voters, would say 'Are you really suggesting that someone who has been convicted of these incredibly serious charges continues on as a member of parliament even when they are in jail?" the premier said.
He also praised the victims and said he didn't want their "enormous courage" to get lost in a "political bun fight" over Ward's future career.
"If you speak to survivors of this kind of sexual assault, they will tell you that going through the process of reporting it to the police and then a criminal trial turns your life upside down all over again," the premier said.
"That should not be forgotten in all this."
Both men testified in court about their initial hesitation to come forward to police after grappling for years with self-blame and fear of Ward's power.
Despite the convictions, some Kiama residents, including Lyn and John Gibson, expressed their continued support for Ward on Monday.
Mrs Gibson said she would "vote for him (Ward) again tomorrow".
"We've been very supportive of him," Mr Gibson said.
Adam, who asked for his surname not to be published, said he "wasn't comfortable with someone with that sort of conviction representing the community".
He believed if Ward didn't resign, it would add "insult to the injury" of the two victims.
Lyn and John Brown, who were visiting Kiama from Wollongong, felt Ward should resign immediately.
"I feel pleased he was convicted," Mrs Brown said.
Kenneth Watson, who has previously handed out election pamphlets for Ward, said he was shocked by the verdict.
"He's done a fantastic job as a local member, better than most politicians," Mr Watson said.
A by-election will be triggered if a motion is put forward to expel Ward from parliament.
The Minns Government and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman both issued statements last Friday calling for the MP to resign, signalling that a motion put forward by the premier is likely to be supported.
A successful motion would take immediate effect and would need to be passed by the Legislative Assembly, rather than needing to pass both houses.
Without an expulsion motion, Ward would not be automatically disqualified from being an MP until the appeals process has been exhausted.
Ward will receive his sentence date on Wednesday.
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Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. 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My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears."
7NEWS
4 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth's relationship with wife becomes hot political football
Questions are suddenly being asked about former Australian tennis star Sam Groth and his relationship with his wife, Brittany. Groth is now deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal party and the questions are centreing on how their relationship started way back in 2011 when Groth was coaching at Templestowe Park tennis club. Brittany was also at the club and she would have been 16 or 17 at the time. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Groth is about seven years older. The Victorian law says: 'If you are between 16 and 17 years old, even if you agree, a person who is caring for you or supervising you (like a teacher, youth worker or foster carer) can't have sex with you, touch you sexually or get you to touch them sexually, perform a sexual act in front of you.' It has been reported that some of Groth's colleagues leaked their concerns to the media after Groth, 37, was made deputy leader in December. The fear is now that the relationship, in its infancy, breached the law, and it could be used against Groth and his party during an election. Labor insiders are already calling it 'inappropriate'. Labor Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said on Tuesday: 'If you're asking me whether I think it's appropriate for a person that is in a position of influence or authority, like a teacher or coach, to be dating a teenager, then the answer to that is no. 'It's evidence that the Liberals remain at war with one another, and quite clearly, if you can't govern yourselves, then you can't govern the state'. Another senior Labor MP told News Corp: 'What he has done is really not appropriate.' Groth left his first wife Jarmila Wolfe (also a tennis player) in 2011. His relationship with Brittany followed not long after. The couple have previously discussed how their relationship started, with Brittany admitting they 'ended up hitting with each other and connecting from there'. She said Groth 'added me on Facebook immediately ... I think that I knew I wanted to be with him but he was in such a different space to what my friends and girlfriends were in.' In 2017 Groth spoke to about the start of their relationship. 'We met during my year off. So I had that year off in 2011 where I sort of stepped away from tennis,' Groth said. 'We are actually from the same suburb in Melbourne, and I was coaching at a club and Brit was playing a little bit there ... yeah, we sort of met through that time.' Brittany called it 'fate'. 'There was only a few small weeks where we could have possibly met each other. It was a small local club, I mean not many people play there,' she said. Opposition leader Brad Battin has defended Groth and called the questions over his relationship a dirty attack. 'Any attempt to besmirch the relationship of Sam, Britt and their children is a disgrace,' Battin said. 'Politics is a dirty business, but this attack has hit a new low in public life.' It's not the first time Groth has hit the headlines this year over allegations of impropriety. In May this year he was accused of getting drunk at the Australian Open and then using a colleague's chauffeur-driven vehicle to take him and his wife home. Groth had hosted a political fundraiser with Nationals MP Jade Benham and then entered a party zone at the tennis where it was claimed he got 'smashed'. Then-opposition upper house leader Georgie Crozier lent him her car for the trip home and later said Victorians 'deserve a lot better'. 'I'm incredibly disappointed,' Crozier told media in May. 'I think that Sam needs to explain his actions. I can't.' Groth was shadow minister for tourism, sport and events at the time, and the car was used for a trip from Melbourne Park to Rye on the Mornington Peninsula, a distance of about 100km. Groth later said he had nothing to hide and attended the 2024 Australian Open in both an official capacity and personal capacity. 'I was at the event to meet various stakeholders and attend meetings before being part of a fundraising initiative,' he said. 'The accusations around intoxication are wrong. 'Everything was and is above board.'
