Instead of the Member for Kiama Gareth Ward’s trial date being set during a hearing today, representatives of the Director of Public Prosecutions have delayed the matter proceeding.

The charges - three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count each of sexual intercourse without consent and common assault - were laid in March, following an investigation by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad into the historic alleged sexual abuse of a 27 year old man in Sydney in September 2015 and a 17 year old boy in Meroo Meadow in February 2013.

Mr Ward has strongly denied the charges.

In a statement he says, "Today's hearing has been delayed at the request of the DPP.

"This has already gone on for way too long. 

"I fear there is now next to no chance of this matter being dealt with before the next election which is manifestly unfair and unreasonable." 

He says he has instructed his lawyers to do all they can to bring the matter forward.