Overview
- Ward obtained ex parte Supreme Court orders on August 4 that prevent the NSW Legislative Assembly from debating or voting on his expulsion
- The Labor government has applied for an expedited appeal hearing in the Court of Appeal, with a hearing set for Thursday to challenge the injunction
- Ward remains on remand in Cessnock jail after his bail was revoked and is due to be sentenced on September 19, having instructed his lawyers to lodge an appeal
- His legal team argues that removing him before his criminal appeals conclude would be punitive, infringe judicial power and disregard the Kiama electorate’s mandate
- If the injunction stands through next week’s adjournment, Ward will keep his seat and salary and Kiama will lack representation until the court dispute is resolved