The suspension comes in the wake of Mr Ward being charged earlier this week with the alleged sexual abuse against a teenage boy and a man.

Mr Ward has vehemently opposed the allegations and will contest them in court.

In State Parliament Acting Premier Paul Toole put forward the motion calling for Mr Ward's suspension, rather than Premier Dominic Perrottet's earlier statement that the government would seek his expulsion.

"I note that the expulsion of a member would require this house to make judgement upon the conduct of the member, which is clearly something that is for the criminal justice system and not this house," Mr Toole said in parliament.

"The suspension of the member is therefore the strongest measure the house can take without running the risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings which will be contrary to the rights and interests of the alleged victims."

The suspension will not be lifted until a jury has been returned on the charges or if the parliament decides to.

The motion also noted government could not withhold the remuneration of a suspended member but that advice had been sought to altering that via legislation.

"I can also foreshadow the government will take any available action to suspend salary and other entitlements for the period of his suspension," Mr Toole said.

Speaking on behalf of Labor MP Ron Hoenig said the party would support the motion.

"It is appropriate because of the very serious nature of the charges that the member be suspended," Mr Hoenig said.

In a statement Mr Ward noted the suspension was "based on allegations that I completely deny and that have yet to be tested in a court of law".

"I am extremely disappointed with that decision," Mr Ward said.

"The effect of the decision is that I am unable to speak and vote in Parliament.|

"I will, however, continue to represent and lobby for my local community as its democratically elected member of Parliament.

"As challenging a time as this is for me personally, I have an important job to do and I intend to get on with it."

More to come

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