The re-elected – now independent member for Kiama Gareth Ward now has a court date for the serious charges he is facing.
That date is the eight of April – next year, 2024.
The trial will be conducted in Sydney. He applied to have the cases heard in Nowra rather than at the Downing Centre Court but was unsuccessful. Mr Ward’s legal representative had petitioned the court for the charges to be separated into two separate trials, but that was also dismissed.
In an associated issue, the Kiama member is saying, ‘I am advised that Mr Minns will be referring me to the NSW Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee to consider possible action.
I would anticipate the committee will seek legal advice on the matter.’