The 43-year-old, who remains free on conditional bail, formally entered not guilty pleas in the NSW District Court to three counts of indecent assault, one count of non-consensual sexual intercourse, and one count of common assault.
The charges stem from the alleged indecent assault of a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in February 2013, and the alleged sexual assault of a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015.
Mr Ward was charged in March 2022 and committed to stand trial in August that year, though proceedings experienced several delays.
He arrived at court in a blue suit and akubra hat, briefly addressing the media.
“Obviously, there is a lot I would like to say and there will be an appropriate time for that,” he stated.
“But out of absolute respect for the process, I can’t comment at this point and I have nothing further to say.”
Trial expected to last four weeks
On Monday, the court dealt with legal matters concerning the trial’s procedure ahead of jury selection, scheduled for Tuesday.
The trial is expected to continue for up to four weeks.
Despite the charges, Mr Ward was re-elected in 2023, narrowly defeating Labor candidate Katelin McInerney, though with a reduced majority.
Gareth Ward, who began his political journey as a Shoalhaven Council councillor, was elected as the Liberal MP for Kiama in 2011. He served as parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast in 2017 and was appointed minister for families, communities, and disability services in 2019.
He is also listed on the roll of admitted solicitors for the High Court of Australia and previously served on the University of Wollongong’s governing board.
