Suspended Kiama MP Gareth Ward has hit out at what he says is the NSW parliament's "trashing of the presumption of innocence".
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Mr Ward was suspended from parliament last month after the former Liberal state government minister was charged with the alleged sexual abuse against a teenage boy and a man.
The Kiama MP has vehemently opposed the allegations and will contest them in court if required.
Mr Ward also hinted this weekend that he was considering writing a "tell-all" book about his life in politics.
In a move that is set to unsettle his political enemies, the party powerbroker said after more than 10 years as an MP there was a lot to tell.
"I am considering writing a book," he said.
"I'm sure that will be of delight to some and concern to others, although I dare say one of the most read parts will be the index."
Mr Ward said he was buoyed by the overwhelming community support he has received since he rejected a request from Premier Dominic Perrottet to quit parliament or face being expelled from the party.
The Kiama MP did not rule out running as an Independent - a move which would post a major headache for the Coalition, with Mr Ward increasing his margin at each election after seizing the seat from Labor in 2011.
"I'm still doing my job as an MP. My office is just as busy as ever," he said.
"I'm just really grateful that the community has seen straight through this and is continuing to engage me as their local member as they always have.
"I think that speaks volumes. What we've seen in Sydney in the state parliament is the trashing of the presumption of innocence.
"There are some that are quite keen to see me gone and their motivations are suspect and I will be standing my ground firmly and fully.
"I'm going to stand my ground because I know I haven't done anything wrong and if it gets to court I'm happy to fight it and win and prove when people make these claims, if they are going to weaponize the process that there are consequences.
"Genuine victims should always be supported."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
