Convicted rapist Gareth Ward, the independent MP for Kiama, faces expulsion from the New South Wales parliament on Friday after the NSW Court of Appeal lifted an injunction that had prevented the parliament from acting against him. The government is expected to move to expel him when the Legislative Assembly sits, with both Labor and the Coalition indicating they will support the motion.
The parliament has the power to expel a member for 'unworthy conduct' that would undermine its reputation, but cannot exercise the power to punish. Ward had argued that expulsion was punitive because it would trigger a byelection and prevent him from regaining his seat.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the opposition is 'ready to have Gareth Ward expelled from parliament forthwith.' The motion is expected to be carried unanimously or near-unanimously.
