Gareth Ward Resigns from New South Wales Parliament After Losing Bid to Avoid Expulsion

Published Time: 08-09-2025, 00:10 (U.S. Eastern Time)

Gareth Ward, an Australian politician convicted of sexual assault, has resigned from the New South Wales (NSW) parliament shortly before he was due to be expelled. Ward’s legal attempt to block his removal was dismissed by the court, prompting his resignation less than two hours before a parliamentary vote to expel him. This development triggers a by-election in the Kiama electorate and ends Ward’s parliamentary career.

Background of Gareth Ward’s Conviction and Resignation

Gareth Ward, 44, was found guilty in July 2025 of sexually assaulting two young men between 2013 and 2015. The victims were aged 18 and 24 at the time of the offenses. Since his conviction, Ward has been in custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for next month. Despite his criminal status, Ward initially sought to remain in parliament as the independent member for Kiama by challenging plans to expel him.

Ward’s legal team argued that expelling him before all appeal processes concluded would undermine democratic principles and violate the foundations of representative democracy. However, the NSW Supreme Court rejected these claims on Thursday, paving the way for his removal.

Parliamentary Proceedings and Resignation Timing

Ward’s resignation was formally submitted to the NSW parliament at 09:08 local time on Friday, just under two hours before the scheduled expulsion vote at 10:30. His resignation effectively stopped the vote and immediately ended his tenure as a parliamentarian.

This resignation also halts Ward’s entitlement to a parliamentary salary. Additionally, it has triggered a by-election in the Kiama electorate, which Ward has represented since first winning office in 2011.

Political Reactions to Ward’s Departure

NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized Ward’s delayed resignation, stating the step “should have come earlier.” Minns emphasized that a person convicted of serious charges such as sexual assault should not remain in public office or receive taxpayer-funded benefits.

“If you are convicted of some of the most serious charges — sexual assault in NSW — you can’t sit as a serving member of parliament drawing a parliamentary salary,” Minns said. “How can you represent your community from behind bars?”

Opposition leader Mark Speakman condemned Ward’s legal fight to remain in parliament, calling it “disgraceful” and accusing the former MP of “playing games” with both the public and the legislative body.

Ward’s Political Career and Prior Controversies

Ward’s troubles began years before his conviction. In 2021, amid mounting allegations, he resigned from his ministerial position and left the Liberal Party but maintained his parliamentary seat as an independent. He successfully retained his seat in the 2023 state election despite the accusations hanging over him.

Ward’s conviction marks a significant fall from grace for a politician who had been active in NSW politics for over a decade. His case is one of the most serious involving a sitting parliamentarian in the state’s recent history.

Legal Next Steps and Implications

Although convicted, Ward has announced his intention to appeal the guilty verdict. His sentencing is scheduled for next month, where he could face significant penalties depending on the court’s ruling.

The resignation and upcoming by-election add political uncertainty to the south-coast NSW electorate of Kiama, where voters will now choose a new representative amid ongoing public scrutiny over the scandal.

Conclusion

Gareth Ward’s resignation concludes a tumultuous chapter in NSW politics marked by serious criminal convictions against a sitting member of parliament. The case has sparked debate about parliamentary conduct and the mechanisms for removing elected officials following criminal convictions.

As the by-election approaches, the focus shifts to the electorate’s response and the broader implications for political accountability in New South Wales.