James Hayward: WA Parliament in shock as Nationals MP faces charges of abusing eight-year-old girl

WA’s political scene is in a state of shock after a Nationals MP was charged with abusing an eight-year-old girl this year. James Hayward, a pastor and TV journalist before his election in March, was one of just seven Nationals in State Parliament. So small is the number of MPs in the National-Liberal Opposition that he immediately had a spot in shadow cabinet as shadow minister for water and local government. In news that sent shock waves through Parliament, the 52-year-old father of three sons and three daughters now faces child sex abuse allegations. The Nationals WA on Thursday resolved to suspended the party membership of Mr Hayward effectively immediately. Earlier, state director Jack Mallick said: “The allegations are serious and distressing for those involved.” The announcement by WA Police stunned MPs of all political persuasions, with questions immediately raised about his seat in Parliament’s Legislative Council. If he defends the allegations in court, Mr Hayward, who represents the South West Region, could potentially remain in Parliament pending the outcome of the trial. However, MPs who are absent for six consecutive sitting days of the Legislative Council without leave are deemed guilty of a contempt of Parliament. Mr Hayward has already missed three consecutive days this week and should he fail to seek leave or a majority of members of the Legislative Council refuse his request, he could face suspension or expulsion. Speaking outside Parliament, “shocked and distressed” WA Opposition Leader and WA Nationals leader Mia Davies said she had moved to stand down Mr Hayward from her shadow cabinet. “It’s obviously very serious and distressing charges and allegations that have come to light today. I’m not going to make any comment in relation to those matters. They are now before the courts and I don’t want to jeopardise that process,” she said. Ms Davies said she had not spoken to Mr Hayward and he had yet to offer his resignation. “We are treating it with the seriousness and gravity that you would expect relating to what’s been revealed today through the courts. I just reiterate that this is a very serious and distressing issue that has arisen,” she said. Ms Davies said Mr Hayward was in control of whether or not he remained an MP and she understood there was nothing stopping him from taking his seat in the Legislative Council next Tuesday. If he were to resign from Parliament, his seat would likely be taken by farmer Louise Kingston, who was second on the Nationals’ ticket in the South West Region. Anyone convicted of an indictable offence and jailed for five or more years is also disqualified from taking a seat in Parliament. If found guilty, Mr Hayward could be jailed for up to 10 years. Before entering politics, Mr Hayward, a former City of Bunbury councillor, worked across regional WA as a television journalist for GWN7. His company, Fiery Productions, went into voluntary liquidation in September, owing the Australian Taxation Office $440,000. He last week said he believed he could keep his seat in Parliament despite the debt. “It’s not a personal debt that would require me to go into bankruptcy,” Mr Hayward said. “If they sent me a bill for that and had grounds to do that, then I might (have to pay it back), but I haven’t had any indication from the tax office that that’s their intention.” Before journalism, Mr Hayward worked as a pastor at the Warren Valley Community Church in Manjimup. He was described by one local as being “actively involved with youth” through gospel singing and evening music programs. He is believed to have lived in the town for about five years. In his inaugural speech to Parliament he told how he was born in Derby and adopted at birth. He made no mention of his faith in the speech, but said living in Manjimup was a “vulnerable time” in the lives of he and his wife, Lee. In August, Mr Hayward was one of three conservative MPs who voted against legislation that created safe access zones to protect women seeking an abortion. Premier Mark McGowan was reluctant to comment on the allegations against Mr Hayward, only saying: “This is a matter for the police and the courts. We won’t make any further comment than that.” Last month, Parliament and WA Police signed a memorandum of understanding covering the execution of search warrants and the issuing of notices or orders by the force that may involve material that is subject to a claim of parliamentary privilege.