Gareth Ward to remain in NSW parliament while defending sexual assault charges

Committee finds case for suspending an MP is weakened' if voters are aware of charges before an election

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Former New South Wales Liberal minister turned independent MP Gareth Ward will not be resuspended from parliament while he fights sexual assault charges, after a government committee found such a move would present major risks.

The parliamentary privileges committee handed down its report on Wednesday evening, after being tasked with assessing options open to the government when dealing with a member suspended from the house and then re-elected.

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