Gareth Ward, the former Member for Kiama in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, has become a central figure in a significant legal and political controversy. His case is a high-profile example of how criminal allegations and convictions can intersect with parliamentary accountability and public trust.
Mr. Ward, a former Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, had a long-standing career in public service. He was first elected to Parliament in 2011 as a member of the Liberal Party and served in ministerial office until 2021. A qualified lawyer, he also held positions in local government as a councillor and deputy mayor for Shoalhaven City Council.
In 2022, Ward was charged with multiple serious criminal offences, including sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault, stemming from incidents in 2013 and 2015 involving two male victims. After pleading not guilty, he stood trial in the District Court of NSW in 2025.
In July 2025, a jury found Ward guilty on all counts. His bail was revoked, and he was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for September 2025.
Despite the convictions, Ward resisted calls to resign and instead mounted a legal challenge against being expelled from Parliament. His legal team argued that it would be premature to remove him before exhausting appeals. However, the NSW Court of Appeal upheld Parliament’s authority to protect its institutional integrity and act independently of criminal proceedings.
Facing an imminent expulsion vote, Ward resigned from Parliament on 8 August 2025—just before the Legislative Assembly convened to remove him. His resignation has triggered a by-election in the seat of Kiama.
This case raises important legal and constitutional questions:
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How criminal law interacts with parliamentary standards;
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Whether elected representatives should retain office while criminal matters are pending appeal;
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The powers and limitations of parliamentary privilege in the context of criminal convictions.
It also highlights broader ethical considerations around fitness for public office and the role of due process in political settings.
At Criminal Lawyers Group, we understand the complexity and seriousness of criminal allegations—especially when they intersect with reputational, professional, or political consequences. With decades of experience in defending serious indictable offences, our firm provides expert legal representation tailored to each individual case.
If you are facing criminal charges or are under investigation, it is crucial to engage experienced defence counsel as early as possible. At Criminal Lawyers Group, we are widely recognised as one of NSW’s most trusted and effective criminal defence firms. Our team handles complex matters with discretion, strategy, and a deep understanding of both the law and the justice system.
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