Jailed Australian Politician Refuses Resignation Amid Parliament Expulsion Battle

Gareth Ward, a New South Wales state politician, was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men and is currently imprisoned awaiting sentencing, yet he has refused to resign from parliament. Despite widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Premier Chris Minns who called Ward "shameless," Ward has obtained a temporary injunction blocking efforts to expel him from the state assembly. The government has announced plans to seek an urgent court hearing to overturn this injunction and remove Ward from office. Ward insists he should remain in parliament while appealing his convictions, which include multiple counts of indecent assault and rape. The standoff has sparked a significant constitutional and political conflict between the judiciary and the legislative body, highlighting concerns over parliamentary integrity and public accountability. Political leaders across party lines have expressed outrage at Ward's continued hold on his seat and the financial burden on taxpayers.