Former Labor MLA Gordon Ramsay has been released on bail after being charged with grooming a teenage boy over a two-year period.
Mr Ramsay served as Attorney-General and Minister for the Arts in the ACT Government between 2016 and 2020, and was a Christian minister who led Kippax Uniting Church and UnitingCare Kippax for nearly two decades.
An ACT Local Hero finalist in the Australian of the Year awards, he has served on several arts, community, and church boards, including the Canberra Theatre Centre, the Cultural Facilities Corporation, and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Police allege the 61-year-old encouraged the boy to engage in sexual activity between 2022 and 2024.
The investigation began after an anonymous tip-off in April. Police interviewed the alleged victim last month. Investigators told the court they believe there may be other victims.
Mr Ramsay was arrested on Wednesday night. Police seized electronic devices from his home and car. They allege that a cloud folder containing intimate images was deleted last year.
Mr Ramsay pleaded not guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court yesterday. Magistrate Alexandra Burt granted bail under strict conditions that he surrender his passport, remain in the ACT, report regularly to police, not use encrypted social media software, and not contact witnesses or anyone under the age of 25. Police opposed bail, concerned that Mr Ramsay might interfere with evidence or intimidate witnesses.
The court also heard that Mr Ramsay’s position as attorney-general from 2016 to 2020 — during which time he appointed judges and magistrates — could raise concerns about impartiality. Magistrate Burt would refer the issue to court administrators.
The case is listed to be heard on 15 December.
Mr Ramsay has been suspended from ACT Labor, the Cultural Facilities Corporation, and the Canberra Theatre Centre.
The ACT Government has been asked for comment.
Canberra Liberals MLA Jeremy Hanson, Shadow Attorney General, said: “Andrew Barr has punted the issue to the public service and jetted off from the ACT on a ‘Thailand Trade Mission’. True to form, he departed in June just after his government introduced 25 new and increased taxes — leaving Canberrans to foot the bill. His lack of leadership has never been more apparent.”
