By Ben McEachenFriday 1 Oct 2021NewsReading Time: 3 minutes
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced her resignation today, in light of an upcoming ICAC enquiry which will focus on her relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.
“My resignation as Premier could not come at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW,” said Ms Berejiklian at a 1pm press conference.
From Monday October 18, the NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) enquiry will focus upon whether Ms Berejiklian “breached public trust” or encouraged “corrupt conduct” between 2012 and 2018 when some community grants were given, linked with Mr Maguire.
“In order to allow the new leader and government a fresh start, I will also resign from the NSW Parliament once I have consulted the electoral commission on appropriate timing for a by election given the COVID restrictions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of New South Wales transition to living freely with COVID.”
“I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life.”
“At times we all stumble, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start again stronger and wiser than before. I have done this many times, as we all have.”
“My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of New South Wales transition to living freely with COVID.”
“However, I am extremely confident that whoever succeeds me will be more than capable of continuing this job.”
“Please give them your trust and confidence.”
“We will come through this period stronger, more resilient, and appreciating what really matters in life.”
Response to ICAC allegations
In responding to the ICAC allegations Premier Gladys Berejiklian shared, “I want to be clear, and all the decisions I have made as Minister or Premier of New South Wales, my first consideration has always been the well-being and welfare of the people of this state. I state categorically I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate I have executed my duties again with the highest level of integrity for the benefit the people of New South Wales for who I have had the privilege to serve.”
“As a leader of the New South Wales government, I have expected the high standards of myself and my colleagues and 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 investigation until their name was cleared.”
“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 that person has held while the investigation was completed. That same standard must always apply to me also as Premier. However, standing aside is not an option for me as a Premier of New South Wales. The people of this state need certainty as to who the leader is of the state during the challenging time for the pandemic.”
“I cannot predict how long it will take you ICAC to complete the investigation, let alone deliver a report on circumstances where I was first called to give evidence nearly 12 months ago.”