A disgraced Australian politician, currently behind bars after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses, is attempting to retain his parliamentary seat despite mounting pressure to step down.
Gareth Ward, a former member of the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament, was convicted last month of sexually assaulting two young men—aged 18 and 24—in incidents dating back to 2013 and 2015. Despite his incarceration pending sentencing, Ward has refused to resign from office, prompting lawmakers to move forward with expulsion proceedings.
His legal team, however, is preparing to challenge the move, seeking an injunction in the Supreme Court to block his removal. Ward maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the verdict.
State leaders have condemned his refusal to vacate the seat, arguing that it is unacceptable for a convicted criminal to continue drawing a taxpayer-funded salary while in prison.
“It’s indefensible,” said one senior official. “A man convicted of serious crimes should not be clinging to public office from a jail cell, leaving his constituents without proper representation.”
Ward, who previously served as a government minister, was ousted from his party when the allegations first surfaced in 2021. Yet, he remained in parliament and was even re-elected in 2023 before his recent conviction.
If expelled, a by-election would be called in his district, potentially within weeks. Meanwhile, Ward awaits sentencing next month on charges including indecent assault and rape.
The case has sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of exploiting legal processes to delay accountability while denying justice to his victims.
