Western Australian Nationals MP James Hayward granted bail on child sexual abuse charges
West Australian state Nationals MP and former federal party vice-president James Hayward has been granted bail after being charged with child sexual abuse offences.
Hayward, who was elected to WA’s parliament earlier this year, is facing multiple charges relating to an eightyear-old girl including persistent sexual conduct.
The 52-year-old faced Perth magistrates Court on Thursday and was not required to enter a plea. He was granted bail to reappear on 13 December.
Hayward has been charged with three counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13, one count of procuring a child under 13 to do an indecent act and one count of persistent sexual conduct.
WA police allege the MP indecently assaulted the eight-year-old in 2021.
The WA opposition leader, Mia Davies, was expected to address media later on Thursday.
Hayward, who holds the shadow local government, water and regional cities portfolios, was elected to represent the South West region in the Legislative Council at the March election. He has been absent from parliament this week.
He previously worked as a local councillor in Bunbury and a television journalist. He served as the state president of the WA Nationals from 2015 to 2019.
Hayward was one of three MPs earlier this year who voted against a government bill to prevent people from picketing within 150 metres of facilities that provide abortion services.
The WA Nationals assumed opposition status after Labor’s blowout victory in the March election left the Liberals with just two lower house seats.
Under their opposition alliance, the Nationals and Liberals hold a combined 16 seats in the 95-seat parliament.
Individuals convicted of persistent sexual conduct in WA face a maximum prison term of 20 years.