Gareth Ward’s defamation lawsuit against Sydney radio station 2SM will proceed as the jailed Kiama MP awaits sentencing on sexual assault charges.

After being taken to Silverwater Correctional Centre on Wednesday when his bail was revoked, Ward’s case against 2SM was heard in the NSW District Court on Thursday.

In the brief court hearing, his legal representatives requested for the case to be adjourned while Ward awaits the outcome of his sentencing hearing on 19 September when Judge Kara Shead will announce the punishment for four sexual assault charges.

The 44-year-old disgraced politician was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault at the conclusion of his nine-week trial.

He was charged by police three years ago after complaints against Ward from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.

Ward was also accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.

Separate to his criminal proceedings, the former NSW Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister instigated defamation action against 2SM.

The nature of the alleged defamatory material has not been made public.

His lawyer requested that the matter should be adjourned until after Ward’s sentencing but Judge Judith Gibson on Thursday told the Court that a directions hearing will be held on 11 September.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman have called on Ward to resign immediately with community members incensed that he will continue to be entitled to his salary and entitlements despite being in jail.

They are likely to expel him when NSW Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday.

Speakman on Thursday said he agreed “in principle” with Minns’ push to expel Ward if he does not resign.

“The Premier has referred to legal advice he has obtained. I would like to see some legal advice just to confirm that that is in order,” Speakman said.

“Subject to that, in principle, we support it.

“I would invite the Premier to share that legal advice with his parliamentary colleagues so we can be completely assured that we are doing the legally correct thing.

“I’d prefer to see him resign in the public interest.”

The Premier said on Monday said it was "ridiculous" that Ward was able, under the NSW Constitution, to retain his seat even after he had been convicted of such serious offences.

“You name me one workplace in the world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time,” he said.

Minns has indicated the NSW Government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly’s integrity because Ward's position is "no longer tenable".

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has written to the NSW Government to emphasise the importance of local representation and request clarity on what Parliament will do following Ward's guilty verdict on sexual assault charges.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028