In most states, MPs are kicked out upon conviction, and can be reinstated if their conviction is overturned on appeal before an election to replace them has been held.

NSW is unique in that they get to stay until the appeals process is entirely completed. So basically this guy is now incentivised to do everything he can to slow down the legal process, because as long as he does, he remains an MP and will draw an MP’s salary.

The Parliament has the power to suspend him, but they are only allowed to use that to protect the integrity of the House itself, not as punishment. And IMO it’s hard to justify suspending him as anything other than punishment. Deserved punishment perhaps, but punishment nonetheless. It’s up to the NSW legislature to fix their bad laws, but as the laws stand, IMO his lawyer is correct.