A state director of the Liberal Party may be summoned as a witness in the rape trial of MP Gareth Ward, who represents the NSW seat of Kiama. Ward, aged 44, is set to face a jury trial in late May, facing five serious charges, including sexual intercourse without consent. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations, which stem from incidents alleged to have occurred in 2013 and 2015.
In a recent court session, it was revealed that Chris Stone, the long-serving head of the party’s organisational wing in NSW since 2008, could be called to testify. However, the specifics of the evidence he might provide were not disclosed during the proceedings.
Ward, who has been the Member for Kiama since 2011, has successfully campaigned for election three times under the Liberal banner and stood as an independent in the 2023 election. His legal troubles began in 2022 when he was charged with indecently assaulting a 17-year-old at his home in 2013 and with engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse with a man in his 20s in Sydney in 2015.
As the proceedings approach, attention remains on the implications of the case for Ward and the potential impact on his political career and the Liberal Party’s reputation. Support services are available for those affected by sexual assault, with contacts including 1800RESPECT and Kids Helpline for confidential assistance.