Kiama MP Gareth Ward's historic sexual abuse trial delayed

A new date is expected to be set later this month.

The Independent MP was charged in March 2022 with one count of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of indecent assault, and an alternative count of common assault.

Ward, 42, pleaded not guilty to all counts when he was arraigned at Nowra District Court in March 2023, and told the media scrum outside that he was "looking forward to having the opportunity to prove my innocence".

"I believe in truth and justice [and] I passionately believe in the presumption of innocence. It's not an optional extra - it's a human right," he said.

Prosecutors will allege Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in February 2013, and allegedly sexually abused a 27-year-old man in Sydney's Potts Point in September 2015.

The three-week trial was scheduled to begin at the Sydney Downing Centre District Court on Monday, April 8, however defence barrister Ed Anderson on Thursday submitted a notice of motion citing the defence didn't think it would be in a position to begin.

Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles opposed the application.

Judge Warwick Hunt granted the application, with a new trial date to be fixed when the case returns to court on April 22, with Ward excused from attending.

Ward served as the NSW Minister of Families, Communities and Disability Services for two years under the previous Liberal government.

He was dumped from the party and suspended from parliament after being charged.

Ward retained his seat of Kiama on the South Coast after running as an independent in the 2023 state government elections.

He remains on bail.