Gladys Berejiklian has long been aware of the personal criticisms levelled at her by those who know her best. Workaholic and micromanager, even obsessive-compulsive, are foremost among them. “Methodical” is how one staffer, choosing his words carefully, refers to the way she runs her office. Text messages sent at 2am are not uncommon.

Another criticism: that she’s too diminutive for politics. NSW premiers should have pizzazz, says one Labor detractor. Berejiklian is unfazed. These days, she regards these barbs as a virtue. Sitting in her office above Sydney’s Martin Place, Berejiklian, the premier regarded as the most successful in dealing with the twin health and economic challenges presented by the coronavirus, notes wryly that these very characteristics have served both her and her state well.