NSW MP Gareth Ward Found Guilty of Sexual Assault and Rape
SYDNEY — Gareth Ward, a sitting member of the New South Wales Parliament, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men in separate incidents that occurred between 2013 and 2015. The jury in the NSW District Court returned the verdict after three days of deliberation, finding Ward guilty on three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.
The 44-year-old MP for Kiama, who was re-elected in 2023 despite ongoing legal proceedings, now faces sentencing later this year. Ward had previously served as a minister in the NSW government before stepping down and resigning from the Liberal Party in 2021 when the allegations first surfaced. However, he refused to vacate his parliamentary seat and has continued to serve as an independent.
The court heard harrowing testimony over nine weeks from the two victims. The first incident involved an 18-year-old man in 2013 who said Ward indecently assaulted him three times at his home after inviting him over while he was intoxicated. The young man told the court he tried to resist, but Ward persisted.
In 2015, a second victim — a 24-year-old political staffer — testified that Ward raped him following a political event in parliament. Both victims stated they had met Ward through political or professional circles but did not know each other. Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles highlighted the similarities in their accounts as compelling evidence of Ward’s guilt.
“Similar behaviour, similar setting, same man, same conclusion. This is not a coincidence,” Knowles said during the trial.
Ward denied the allegations, claiming the 2015 incident never happened and that the earlier complainant had misinterpreted their encounter. His legal team argued that the testimony was flawed or inaccurate. However, the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, delivering a verdict that brings Ward’s political future into serious question.
Ward’s continued presence in parliament has sparked public outrage and debate. The NSW government had previously considered moving to expel him, but legal counsel advised against it to avoid influencing the judicial process. With the trial now concluded, it is expected that pressure will mount on parliament to take formal action ahead of his sentencing.
The case has reignited discussions in Australia about political accountability, institutional responses to allegations of sexual misconduct, and the need for structural reforms to protect victims and ensure justice.
Ward has yet to make a public statement following the verdict. He remains on bail until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled to take place later this year.
Victims’ advocates have welcomed the verdict as a rare instance of political figures being held accountable for sexual abuse. “This sends a message that no one is above the law, no matter their position or influence,” one advocate said following the court’s decision.
As the state prepares for the next phase in this high-profile case, attention will now turn to whether the parliament will act to formally remove Ward and whether broader changes will be introduced to prevent similar cases from lingering unresolved while the accused remains in public office.
