Kiama MP Gareth Ward is currently on trial for multiple alleged sexual assaults, including charges of assault with an act of indecency and intercourse without consent, stemming from incidents that occurred in 2013 and 2015.

Ward, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, appeared at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney on May 28, 2025, as the trial commenced the previous day.

Having represented the Kiama electorate since 2011, Ward was re-elected as an independent in 2023 after previously serving as a Liberal member.

The court heard testimony from a 24-year-old former parliamentary staffer who alleged that Ward assaulted him at his Potts Point apartment in 2015 after inviting him for drinks.

During the incident, after initially rejecting a kiss from Ward, the staffer claimed that Ward engaged in digital penetration despite being told to stop.

The alleged victim expressed feelings of confusion and shame after the incident, describing how he felt 'dirty and confused' following the assault.

The complainant, who admitted to being intoxicated during the encounter, recalled feeling pressured to stay at Ward's home, expecting others to be present but finding himself alone.

A video was shown in court where the staffer retraced his steps to Ward's apartment, although he admitted uncertainty about the exact route due to his state at the time.

The complainant did not report the incident until years later, leading to police charges against Ward in March 2022.

During the trial, defense lawyer David Campbell questioned the complainant's memory of the route to Ward's apartment, suggesting confusion due to intoxication.

Ward's legal team is expected to present their defense later in the trial, which is anticipated to last three to four weeks and is being overseen by Judge Kara Shead.

The following morning, Ward reportedly continued to compliment the complainant and promised to support his career, saying he would 'take care of' him if he remained loyal.