Last week's report of the NSW Parliament’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics [available here] concluded the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, should continue to receive his remuneration, and all other entitlements, despite his suspension from Parliament while he faces criminal charges (which Mr Ward denies).

While the suspension means that he can’t enter Parliament House, Mr Ward says that he is still working seven days a week.

“My diary is still full, my phone still ringing off the hook. Ministers are still talking to me as are departments.

“People can judge me on the outcomes I am delivering.”

One of the avenues he is frequently using is asking Questions on Notice.

“They are tabled on the floor and formal responses are required by ministers,” he says.

“It is a good way to put the Government on notice about things you are seeking for your community, or questions you want answered.

“As far as I’m concerned what is important is getting outcomes for my community by pressing the govt on important issues as an independent member.”

In May, the topics of his questions varied from major upgrades to Bomaderry High School, critical mental health support services across the Shoalhaven-Illawarra Local Health District, nuclear submarines at Port Kembla and the Jervis Bay Interchange.

Mr Ward says he has yet to decide whether to run again at next year's State election.

"That’s a long way away.

"I am not worried about campaigning at the moment, as I’ve got a job to do. I will think about that closer to the time."