Hayward faces suspension over bail bid

Premier Mark McGowan has backed calls by a parliamentary committee for MP James Hayward to be suspended over claims he used his position to have his bail conditions relaxed while awaiting trial.

It has been almost one year since the South West MP was charged with multiple child sex abuse offences, including three counts of indecent dealing over an alleged incident involving an eight-year-old girl.

The former Nationals MP pleaded not guilty and retained his seat as an independent, arguing bowing out of his parliamentary role would imply any person in public office could be axed over an “untested allegation”.

Mr Hayward had his strict bail conditions varied in May, claiming he needed to travel to Queensland for a medicinal cannabis symposium as part of his parliamentary committee duties.

But Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery used parliamentary privilege to voice concerns Mr Hayward had misrepresented parliamentary rules to the magistrates court, an act that had the ability to bring it into disrepute.

The procedure and privileges committee found there were no rules or repercussions regarding Mr Hayward's attendance and that he misrepresented the rules of parliament and his position for his own benefit, findings Mr Hayward rejected.

The committee found him in contempt of the Legislative Council and recommended he be suspended for the remainder of the year and undergo training in parliamentary ethics.

During a press conference this morning, Mr McGowan said he believed the findings were appropriate.

But he remained coy on the matter, referring all other questions to his former party.

“It’s appropriate,” Mr McGowan said.

“I haven't read the full report, but I understand what he's done and I think it's an appropriate finding. 

“I mean, he's an ex-National Party or he was elected as a National Party MP. 

“It’s probably better to direct questions to the National Party.”

The committee’s recommendations are due to be considered later this week.