From AU News
Gladys Berejiklian has resigned as Premier as the ICAC investigates into her conduct while in a relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.
The NSW Premier has resigned after a corruption watchdog announced it was looking into her conduct.More from nsw act news
Gladys Berejiklian has announced her “difficult decision” to resign as NSW Premier.
It comes after the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it is investigating whether she “breached public trust” or “encouraged corrupt conduct” in a bombshell statement outlining the probe.
The investigation relates to the allegations surrounding her secret romantic relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire and whether she knew anything that should have been reported to corruption authorities earlier.
Ms Berejiklian said it “pained her” to make the decision, which comes after “challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the state’s history” — but that she had “been given no other option”.
“I have made it clear on numerous occasions that if any of my ministers were the subject of allegations being investigated by an integrity agency or law enforcement, then he or she should stand aside during the course of the investigation until their name was cleared,” she said.
“The reason for my stance was not to have made any presumptions, as to their conduct, but rather to maintain the integrity of the public office which has held, which that person is held whilst an investigation was completed, that same standard must always apply to me also as the premier however standing aside is not an option for me as the premier of New South Wales, the people of this state. The certainty as to who the leader is during the challenging times of the pandemic.
“I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report in circumstances where I was first called to give evidence in a public hearing nearly 12 months ago.
“Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign from the Office of Premier, my resignation will take effect as soon as the New South Wales Liberal Party can elect a new parliamentary leader in order to allow the new leader and government, a fresh start.”
Gladys Berejiklian has announced she will resign after the ICAC announced she was being investigated. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper
Ms Berejiklian said that given NSW’s current Covid-19 situation, her resignation “could not occur at a worse time”. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper
Resignation ‘couldn’t come at a worse time’
Ms Berejiklian said that given NSW’s current Covid-19 situation, her resignation “could not occur at a worse time” and doing so “is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do”.
“I love my job and I love serving the community, but I have been given no option. Following the statement that’s been issued today, to continue as Premier would disrupt the state government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting NSW,” she added.
“I do not want to be a distraction from what should be the focus of the state government during this pandemic, which is the wellbeing of our citizens. It always has been and always will be.”
In her “final” address as Premier, Ms Berejiklian thanked her family, friends, public servants and “most importantly … the people of NSW”.
“We’ve grieved and supported each other during these tragedies,” she said.
“I hope you know that you will remain foremost in my thoughts, the courage that you display in your lives every day has inspired me every step of the way, the courage and the support you’ve shown me has humbled me and made me a better leader and a better person.
“Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for our state and its people. I truly believe that NSW is a place where every person, irrespective of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to be their best to make a difference.
“So as I address you for the final time as your Premier. Please stay the course and stay safe. We will be shortly out of this lockdown and be able to get on with our lives. New South Wales and its people will come out of this lockdown stronger, and together we will build a future full of optimism and hope. Finally, thank you again for giving me the honour of being your Premier.”
