Gareth Ward found guilty of rape

Sydney:
New South Wales MP Gareth Ward has been found guilty of sexually abusing two young men in separate incidents in 2013 and 2015. The Kiama-based independent member was convicted by a jury on four charges: three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual intercourse without consent (rape).

The high-profile trial concluded after a nine-week hearing at the NSW District Court, where the jury returned a unanimous verdict following three days of deliberation. The court heard detailed testimonies from two men who described separate encounters with Ward—one at his home in Meroo Meadow in 2013, and another involving a sexual assault in a Sydney hotel after a political event in 2015.

Ward, 44, has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. He remains on conditional bail pending sentencing, which is expected to take place later this year.

The New South Wales government and opposition have both called for Ward’s immediate resignation, stating that his continued presence in Parliament is unacceptable. In a statement, the NSW Government said:

“Mr Ward’s position in the Parliament is no longer tenable. We call on him to resign immediately. Should he refuse, the Government will take steps to protect the integrity of the Legislative Assembly.”

Under NSW law, a sitting MP is automatically disqualified if sentenced to more than five years in prison. If Ward appeals his conviction and sentencing remains under review, Parliament may vote to suspend him from his duties until the appeal is resolved.

Ward was previously a member of the Liberal Party and held a cabinet position until May 2021, when he stepped aside after revealing he was the subject of a police investigation. Despite the charges, he re-contested and won his Kiama seat in 2023 as an independent.

Crown prosecutors argued that both victims gave consistent and credible testimonies, which revealed a pattern of behavior by Ward involving power imbalance and predatory conduct. The case has sparked widespread public condemnation and reignited debate around misconduct and accountability in political office.

The victims, whose identities remain protected, were praised by the prosecution and advocates for their courage in coming forward.

Ward’s sentencing date has not yet been confirmed. He has not yet indicated whether he will appeal the verdict.