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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Ridiculous': Premier demands disgraced MP's resignation
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. 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.
The Age
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Councillor Jane Agirtan turns her sights on CBD columnist
Our item about independent Kingston councillor (and former Liberal Party member) Jane Agirtan receiving back pay after her council suspension was rescinded, hit a nerve with one reader … Jane Agirtan herself. Regular readers will recall the recent news Agirtan was allowed back on council after escaping conviction in Moorabbin Magistrates' Court. A magistrate ordered that the Liberal-turned-independent councillor make a $2000 donation to the Royal Children's Hospital as punishment for breaching an intervention order. Agirtan was in hot water after she allegedly doxxed a lawyer who had posted anonymous criticism of her online. The breach occurred when the post in question was not removed within 24 hours as per a court order. After our item, which detailed that Agirtan had exposed the lawyer's name and work firm, and urged her followers to help the lawyer overcome their 'Aunty Jane derangement syndrome', the councillor and tax manager responded in a social media post by … doxxing your columnist in an Instagram post. Loading 'Can't talk, too busy collecting backpay… and receipts,' Agirtan wrote, with a screenshot of our attempts to reach out. She followed up with what we took was criticism of our attempts to get in contact with her (none of which were responded to). 'Frantically ringing my council phone like it's Triple J's Hottest 100 vote line is giving … unpaid intern,' she wrote over a screenshot of this columnist's phone number.
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Staffer 'didn't want to cause problems for Liberal Party' after MP's alleged abuse
A political staffer has told a jury NSW MP Gareth Ward told him he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him" the morning after he allegedly sexually assaulted him. Ward, 43, has faced the second day of his jury trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault with an act of indecency and an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old at Meroo Meadow in 2013. He has also pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent at Potts Point against a 24-year-old political staffer, who gave evidence about the alleged incident on Wednesday. The complainant said the man drank three to four glasses of white wine at an event at Parliament House in 2015, which was "a lot" for him at the time. He said he ran into Ward while trying to organise a taxi home, who then invited him to stay the night at his apartment. Ward allegedly kissed the man on his balcony, but the staffer pushed him away and said "no". The 24-year-old said he wanted to go to bed, and was allegedly shown his room by Ward. It's alleged the complainant expected to be sleeping alone, but that Ward got into bed and allegedly put his hands on the complainant's buttocks. Without warning, Ward allegedly digitally penetrated the complainant, while kissing his neck and masturbating himself. The complainant told the jury he felt "dirty and confused". The next morning, Ward allegedly told the man he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him". The man made a formal complaint to police in 2022. Crown prosecutor Monica Knowles asked him why he did not contact police earlier. "I was a little stressed and I was concerned that I could cause problems for Mr Ward and the Liberal Party and so I wanted to take some time to think about it," he said. "It was the doubts in my head, you know the wondering whether I led him on, the not wanting the humiliation, the not wanting to cause problems for the Liberal Party." The complainant said he had earlier confided in a friend about the incident and that he gave her permission to pass his details on to police. He said his feelings changed about making a statement after police called him and that he had realised the gravity of what had allegedly happened to him. "I didn't think it was going to be taken seriously ... because it wasn't rape and what I thought rape was," he said. Ms Knowles asked the complainant what he meant when he said he didn't want to cause problems for the Liberal Party. "He (Ward) was the minister responsible for child safety. Any kind of allegations like this ... while I was confident in the process, was just going to be humiliation," the complainant said. The complainant will continue giving evidence on Thursday. Ward was charged in 2022. Ward was a Shoalhaven councillor before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. Now an independent, he was re-elected as the MP for Kiama in 2023. A political staffer has told a jury NSW MP Gareth Ward told him he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him" the morning after he allegedly sexually assaulted him. Ward, 43, has faced the second day of his jury trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault with an act of indecency and an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old at Meroo Meadow in 2013. He has also pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent at Potts Point against a 24-year-old political staffer, who gave evidence about the alleged incident on Wednesday. The complainant said the man drank three to four glasses of white wine at an event at Parliament House in 2015, which was "a lot" for him at the time. He said he ran into Ward while trying to organise a taxi home, who then invited him to stay the night at his apartment. Ward allegedly kissed the man on his balcony, but the staffer pushed him away and said "no". The 24-year-old said he wanted to go to bed, and was allegedly shown his room by Ward. It's alleged the complainant expected to be sleeping alone, but that Ward got into bed and allegedly put his hands on the complainant's buttocks. Without warning, Ward allegedly digitally penetrated the complainant, while kissing his neck and masturbating himself. The complainant told the jury he felt "dirty and confused". The next morning, Ward allegedly told the man he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him". The man made a formal complaint to police in 2022. Crown prosecutor Monica Knowles asked him why he did not contact police earlier. "I was a little stressed and I was concerned that I could cause problems for Mr Ward and the Liberal Party and so I wanted to take some time to think about it," he said. "It was the doubts in my head, you know the wondering whether I led him on, the not wanting the humiliation, the not wanting to cause problems for the Liberal Party." The complainant said he had earlier confided in a friend about the incident and that he gave her permission to pass his details on to police. He said his feelings changed about making a statement after police called him and that he had realised the gravity of what had allegedly happened to him. "I didn't think it was going to be taken seriously ... because it wasn't rape and what I thought rape was," he said. Ms Knowles asked the complainant what he meant when he said he didn't want to cause problems for the Liberal Party. "He (Ward) was the minister responsible for child safety. Any kind of allegations like this ... while I was confident in the process, was just going to be humiliation," the complainant said. The complainant will continue giving evidence on Thursday. Ward was charged in 2022. Ward was a Shoalhaven councillor before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. Now an independent, he was re-elected as the MP for Kiama in 2023. A political staffer has told a jury NSW MP Gareth Ward told him he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him" the morning after he allegedly sexually assaulted him. Ward, 43, has faced the second day of his jury trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault with an act of indecency and an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old at Meroo Meadow in 2013. He has also pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent at Potts Point against a 24-year-old political staffer, who gave evidence about the alleged incident on Wednesday. The complainant said the man drank three to four glasses of white wine at an event at Parliament House in 2015, which was "a lot" for him at the time. He said he ran into Ward while trying to organise a taxi home, who then invited him to stay the night at his apartment. Ward allegedly kissed the man on his balcony, but the staffer pushed him away and said "no". The 24-year-old said he wanted to go to bed, and was allegedly shown his room by Ward. It's alleged the complainant expected to be sleeping alone, but that Ward got into bed and allegedly put his hands on the complainant's buttocks. Without warning, Ward allegedly digitally penetrated the complainant, while kissing his neck and masturbating himself. The complainant told the jury he felt "dirty and confused". The next morning, Ward allegedly told the man he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him". The man made a formal complaint to police in 2022. Crown prosecutor Monica Knowles asked him why he did not contact police earlier. "I was a little stressed and I was concerned that I could cause problems for Mr Ward and the Liberal Party and so I wanted to take some time to think about it," he said. "It was the doubts in my head, you know the wondering whether I led him on, the not wanting the humiliation, the not wanting to cause problems for the Liberal Party." The complainant said he had earlier confided in a friend about the incident and that he gave her permission to pass his details on to police. He said his feelings changed about making a statement after police called him and that he had realised the gravity of what had allegedly happened to him. "I didn't think it was going to be taken seriously ... because it wasn't rape and what I thought rape was," he said. Ms Knowles asked the complainant what he meant when he said he didn't want to cause problems for the Liberal Party. "He (Ward) was the minister responsible for child safety. Any kind of allegations like this ... while I was confident in the process, was just going to be humiliation," the complainant said. The complainant will continue giving evidence on Thursday. Ward was charged in 2022. Ward was a Shoalhaven councillor before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. Now an independent, he was re-elected as the MP for Kiama in 2023. A political staffer has told a jury NSW MP Gareth Ward told him he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him" the morning after he allegedly sexually assaulted him. Ward, 43, has faced the second day of his jury trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault with an act of indecency and an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old at Meroo Meadow in 2013. He has also pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent at Potts Point against a 24-year-old political staffer, who gave evidence about the alleged incident on Wednesday. The complainant said the man drank three to four glasses of white wine at an event at Parliament House in 2015, which was "a lot" for him at the time. He said he ran into Ward while trying to organise a taxi home, who then invited him to stay the night at his apartment. Ward allegedly kissed the man on his balcony, but the staffer pushed him away and said "no". The 24-year-old said he wanted to go to bed, and was allegedly shown his room by Ward. It's alleged the complainant expected to be sleeping alone, but that Ward got into bed and allegedly put his hands on the complainant's buttocks. Without warning, Ward allegedly digitally penetrated the complainant, while kissing his neck and masturbating himself. The complainant told the jury he felt "dirty and confused". The next morning, Ward allegedly told the man he would "take care of him" if he "stuck by him". The man made a formal complaint to police in 2022. Crown prosecutor Monica Knowles asked him why he did not contact police earlier. "I was a little stressed and I was concerned that I could cause problems for Mr Ward and the Liberal Party and so I wanted to take some time to think about it," he said. "It was the doubts in my head, you know the wondering whether I led him on, the not wanting the humiliation, the not wanting to cause problems for the Liberal Party." The complainant said he had earlier confided in a friend about the incident and that he gave her permission to pass his details on to police. He said his feelings changed about making a statement after police called him and that he had realised the gravity of what had allegedly happened to him. "I didn't think it was going to be taken seriously ... because it wasn't rape and what I thought rape was," he said. Ms Knowles asked the complainant what he meant when he said he didn't want to cause problems for the Liberal Party. "He (Ward) was the minister responsible for child safety. Any kind of allegations like this ... while I was confident in the process, was just going to be humiliation," the complainant said. The complainant will continue giving evidence on Thursday. Ward was charged in 2022. Ward was a Shoalhaven councillor before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. Now an independent, he was re-elected as the MP for Kiama in 2023.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
NSW MP's sexual assault trial approaching
NSW MP Gareth Ward is days away from fighting his historic sexual assault charges in a trial tipped to run for four weeks. Ward, 43, will appear before the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney from May 26 after strenuously denying the allegations stemming between 2013 and 2015. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama previously pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and common assault against two complainants, aged 17 and 25. Ward's matter was mentioned on May 22 ahead of his trial, with Judge Stephen Hanley SC confirming the trial was ready to begin next week. Defence barrister Edward Anderson, representing Ward, said his client intended to fight the allegations. The court heard it may take some days for a jury to be empanelled, and that the trial is anticipated to run for three to four weeks. The Crown will allege Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow near Bomaderry in February 2013, and allegedly sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015. Ward ran as an independent in the 2023 state election and retained the seat he had held since 2011, when he was elected as Kiama's first Liberal MP. NSW MP Gareth Ward is days away from fighting his historic sexual assault charges in a trial tipped to run for four weeks. Ward, 43, will appear before the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney from May 26 after strenuously denying the allegations stemming between 2013 and 2015. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama previously pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and common assault against two complainants, aged 17 and 25. Ward's matter was mentioned on May 22 ahead of his trial, with Judge Stephen Hanley SC confirming the trial was ready to begin next week. Defence barrister Edward Anderson, representing Ward, said his client intended to fight the allegations. The court heard it may take some days for a jury to be empanelled, and that the trial is anticipated to run for three to four weeks. The Crown will allege Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow near Bomaderry in February 2013, and allegedly sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015. Ward ran as an independent in the 2023 state election and retained the seat he had held since 2011, when he was elected as Kiama's first Liberal MP. NSW MP Gareth Ward is days away from fighting his historic sexual assault charges in a trial tipped to run for four weeks. Ward, 43, will appear before the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney from May 26 after strenuously denying the allegations stemming between 2013 and 2015. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama previously pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and common assault against two complainants, aged 17 and 25. Ward's matter was mentioned on May 22 ahead of his trial, with Judge Stephen Hanley SC confirming the trial was ready to begin next week. Defence barrister Edward Anderson, representing Ward, said his client intended to fight the allegations. The court heard it may take some days for a jury to be empanelled, and that the trial is anticipated to run for three to four weeks. The Crown will allege Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow near Bomaderry in February 2013, and allegedly sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015. Ward ran as an independent in the 2023 state election and retained the seat he had held since 2011, when he was elected as Kiama's first Liberal MP. NSW MP Gareth Ward is days away from fighting his historic sexual assault charges in a trial tipped to run for four weeks. Ward, 43, will appear before the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney from May 26 after strenuously denying the allegations stemming between 2013 and 2015. The Liberal-turned-independent member for Kiama previously pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and common assault against two complainants, aged 17 and 25. Ward's matter was mentioned on May 22 ahead of his trial, with Judge Stephen Hanley SC confirming the trial was ready to begin next week. Defence barrister Edward Anderson, representing Ward, said his client intended to fight the allegations. The court heard it may take some days for a jury to be empanelled, and that the trial is anticipated to run for three to four weeks. The Crown will allege Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow near Bomaderry in February 2013, and allegedly sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015. Ward ran as an independent in the 2023 state election and retained the seat he had held since 2011, when he was elected as Kiama's first Liberal MP.
The Age
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Optimism is the name of the game, but can the teals cause further upset in WA?
They're flushed with Climate 200 cash and inundated with hundreds of eager volunteers hoping to help take advantage of growing disillusionment with the major parties. But this election, the teal independent challenge goes far beyond the traditional inner-city blue-ribbon upset that saw Kate Chaney voted into power in 2022. In Forrest, surgeon Sue Chapman is trying to take advantage of the retirement of long-time MP Nola Marino to pry the South West seat the Liberal Party, which has held it since 1972. In Fremantle, Kate Hulett is hoping to carry over her surprise near-win at the state election to the federal seat of the same name in a bid to unseat Labor's Josh Wilson. In Moore, the presence of psychologist and former army reservist Nathan Barton could jumble preference flows further as Liberal Vince Connelly tries to win the seat back from incumbent Liberal-turned-independent Ian Goodenough. Hulett, Chaney and Chapman were all 'optimistic' about their chances on election night. Redbridge director and poll analyst Kos Samaras said that optimism wasn't misplaced, but it was likely only one of them that will be celebrating on Saturday night. 'They're seats to watch just to see how big that vote is, but I don't think they will have the same momentum that Chaney had in Curtin,' he said.
