NSW MP Gareth Ward’s Early Morning Parliament Visit Sparks Controversy

Independent Member of the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament, Gareth Ward, has come under scrutiny after details emerged of an unusual visit to the state parliament. The incident occurred at 4 a.m. on a Sunday in July when Ward reportedly arrived partially clothed to retrieve spare keys to his nearby apartment.

Gareth Ward has issued a statement addressing the circumstances, explaining that he locked himself out of his apartment and jogged to parliament in freezing conditions. He insists that he was not intoxicated, dismissing such suggestions as unfounded. “I did not see anyone in Parliament other than a security guard who gave me access to the building,” Ward stated, emphasizing that allegations of drunkenness are incorrect.

The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has expressed concern over the incident, stating that it raises serious issues regarding appropriate behavior in the workplace. Minns articulated that the incident is concerning not just from a behavioral standpoint but also due to the standards expected within the parliamentary context. “These are very serious facts and I think by common consensus far from appropriate in a workplace,” Premier Minns noted.

News Corp reports, including grainy CCTV footage, describe Ward’s attire during the incident as a T-shirt, underwear, and socks, with a cut on his head. Ward has dismissed the media coverage as “gutter journalism,” arguing that such reporting undermines public trust in journalism.

Ward, a former cabinet minister, was temporarily suspended from parliament and left the Liberal Party following charges of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Having been re-elected as the Member for Kiama in the 2023 state election, Ward states this incident is being unjustly portrayed as misconduct.

The case against Ward related to previous charges is set to go on trial next April. Meanwhile, parliamentary officials have received a formal report concerning this recent incident, which will undergo examination. The Premier emphasized that the integrity and standards of parliamentary conduct must be maintained at all times, regardless of the hour. “Parliament has to make a decision about what the next steps are. We do regard them as serious,” Minns stated.

As the matter evolves, Ward remains firm in his assertion of innocence regarding both the current and prior allegations, continuing to face significant scrutiny from both the media and his political peers.