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Court Injunction Delays Expulsion of Convicted MP Gareth Ward

The government is racing to secure an urgent Court of Appeal hearing to lift a Supreme Court injunction blocking the expulsion motion before parliament adjourns

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks during a Labor Party rally at Parramatta Town Hall on April 27, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a major new health initiative, promising a $204.5 million investment to launch 1800medicare, a free, nationwide 24/7 health advice and afterhours GP telehealth service. The announcement, part of Labor's broader $8.5 billion commitment to strengthen Medicare and expand bulk billing, comes as the government seeks to improve access to urgent care, boost the number of medical professionals, and ensure that expert health advice is just a phone call away for Australians in every community. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
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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  • Ward remains on remand in Cessnock jail after his bail was revoked and is due to be sentenced on September 19, having instructed his lawyers to lodge an appeal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