NSW MP Gareth Ward caught in underwear at parliament at 4am

On July 21, New South Wales MP Gareth Ward was reported to have arrived at state parliament at 4am wearing only a T-shirt, underwear, and socks after locking himself out of his apartment. He stated that he made the eight-minute walk to parliament to retrieve a spare key, as he had no phone and could not contact a locksmith. Ward emphasized that he was not intoxicated during this incident, which he described as a response to an unexpected noise at his apartment. The incident drew media attention, with some reports suggesting that Ward was drunk, which he vehemently denied, labeling such claims as defamatory. He expressed his frustration with what he termed 'gutter journalism' and stated that he had only encountered a security guard during his visit to parliament. Ward's actions have raised questions about the appropriateness of his conduct as a member of parliament. In light of the situation, the New South Wales government referred the matter to the parliamentary privileges and ethics committee. This committee is tasked with investigating whether Ward's behavior raises any issues regarding the conduct expected of a member of parliament and determining if any actions should be taken. Premier Chris Minns expressed concern over Ward's behavior, stating it was far from appropriate for the workplace, especially considering the number of people who work in the chamber. The incident has sparked discussions about standards of conduct within the parliament and the implications of Ward's actions on his political career.