MP Gareth Ward to appeal against rape conviction

Disgraced Kiama MP Gareth Ward will appeal his conviction after being found guilty of sex crimes, as the government prepares to take the extraordinary step of expelling him from parliament.

Days after a jury found the former Liberal minister guilty of sexually abusing two young men following a nine-week trial in the NSW District Court, Ward said he was “absolutely shattered” by the outcome and had given his legal team instructions to begin preparing an appeal.

“I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity,” Ward said in a statement.

Gareth Ward leaves court after becoming a convicted rapist.Credit: Dylan Coker

“I take this opportunity to thank so many from across our community that have sent warm and caring messages of support to me and my family.”

The announcement comes ahead of next week’s parliamentary sitting week, when both Labor and the Coalition have indicated they will move a motion to expel Ward after he was convicted of one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault.

On Wednesday evening, the leader of the government in the lower house, Ron Hoenig, wrote to Ward asking him to provide any statement or material he wanted the Legislative Assembly to consider before its first sitting day next week.

“I am sure you would appreciate that in view of the verdict of the jury convicting you of serious criminal offences that the House needs to consider whether your continued membership of the House requires it to act to protect the high standing of the Parliament so it may discharge with the confidence of the community the great responsibility that it bears,” Hoenig wrote.

Under the NSW constitution, a seat becomes vacant if the MP is convicted of a crime that is punishable by five years or more in prison. However, that process is put on hold while any appeal process plays out in court.

The government has obtained legal advice which argues parliament has the authority to remove Ward to protect its integrity if an MP displays “unworthy conduct”. The high bar required to be removed from office means the legal authority of the parliament to do so has never been tested.

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Calls from Premier Chris Minns and Liberal leader Mark Speakman for Ward to resign before he is expelled have so far fallen on deaf ears. With his electorate office closed, constituents in the seat of Kiama have also called on their representative to exit parliament.

Judge Kara Shead ruled on Wednesday the MP should have his bail revoked and be taken into custody until he is sentenced in September. He has been placed on remand at Silverwater prison until his sentencing hearing.

First elected in 2011, Ward managed to hold on to his seat at the 2023 state election even after charges were first laid against him, withstanding a swing of more than 11 per cent.

Ward was approached for comment.

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