Controversial Politician Resigns as Legal Battle Fails to Prevent Expulsion

The resignation of Gareth Ward follows a significant legal defeat, leading to implications for the Australian political landscape, including a by-election in Kiama and the future of governmental ethics.

Gareth Ward, a 44-year-old Australian politician and convicted rapist, abruptly resigned from his parliamentary role today, just moments before facing expulsion from the New South Wales (NSW) parliament. This decision comes after Ward lost a legal bid aimed at preventing his removal, which was dismissed by the court on Thursday. The court ruled against Ward's claim that his expulsion would undermine democratic principles.

Ward was sentenced last month after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, aged 18 and 24, over a two-year period from 2013 to 2015. He is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for next month. Despite attempts to delay his departure, Ward submitted his resignation two hours before a scheduled vote to expel him, clocking in at 09:08 local time on Friday (00:08 GMT).

His resignation effectively terminates his parliamentary salary and paves the way for a by-election in Kiama, a seat Ward has held since 2011. In previous years, Ward had distanced himself from the Liberal Party and even resigned from his ministerial position in 2021 but persistently maintained his role as an independent member until now.

NSW Premier Chris Minns commented that Ward's resignation should have occurred much earlier, asserting that individuals convicted of serious charges like sexual violence should not continue to represent the public while incarcerated. Opposition leader Mark Speakman criticized Ward's legal maneuvers to remain in parliament as "disgraceful," accusing him of manipulation. Despite the convictions, Ward has stated intentions to appeal his guilty verdict.