A West Australian MP facing child sexual abuse charges has remained tightlipped on his future after making a brief court appearance.
James Hayward has been charged with multiple offences relating to an eight-year-old girl, including persistent sexual conduct.
The 52-year-old former Nationals MP is yet to enter a plea. He briefly faced Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, where his matter was adjourned until February.
Hayward, who was granted bail after his arrest, declined to comment outside court on the allegations or whether he intends to remain in parliament next year.
It remains open to the now-independent MP to keep his seat while the matter is determined by the courts.
Hayward attended the Legislative Council for a matter of seconds last week to have his attendance marked, ensuring he can retain his taxpayer-funded remuneration which includes a base salary of $168,000 and more than $150,000 in allowances.
Having been absent from parliament the previous week, a failure to attend for six consecutive sitting days could have resulted in Hayward being found in contempt of parliament.
Parliament is due to rise for the year on Thursday and will not return until mid-February.
The WA Nationals earlier this month received formal notice of Hayward's resignation from the party.
The party had already suspended his membership following an emergency meeting of the state executive after the charges emerged.
Opposition Leader Mia Davies urged Hayward to quit parliament, saying her parliamentary colleagues agreed he should not retain his seat.
Ms Davies had earlier stood down Hayward from his shadow local government, water and regional cities portfolios.
Hayward, who was elected to represent the South West region in the Legislative Council at the March election, had previously served as the Nationals' federal vice-president.
He had also worked as a local councillor in Bunbury and a television journalist, and served as the Nationals' state president.
Individuals convicted of persistent sexual conduct in WA face a maximum prison term of 20 years.
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