‘Against every instinct’: Gladys Berejiklian’s parting shot before standing down

Outgoing NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said leaving the post mid-pandemic went against “every instinct” in a parting shot at the corruption watchdog.

Outgoing premier Gladys Berejiklian says her resignation “could not occur at a worse time” in a parting dig at the corruption watchdog for forcing her to leave the post.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said on Friday morning it was investigating whether Ms Berejiklian “breached public trust” or “encouraged corrupt conduct” between 2012 and 2018, during which time she was in a relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.

Ms Berejiklian said she was left with “no option” but to resign from her role as Premier and questioned why the ICAC had chosen to take action now.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she did not want to resign, but had been given ‘no option’ by ICAC. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

She said the decision had been “extremely difficult” but she felt obliged because of the “love and respect” she had for the people of her state.

“The timing is completely outside my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the state’s history,” she said.

“That is the ICAC’s prerogative.

“Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do. I love my job.

“I have been given no option following the statement. To continue as Premier would disrupt the state government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting NSW.

The outgoing Premier urged NSW residents to ‘stay the course’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“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.”

Ms Berejiklian said she had “never felt” more confident in her leadership, and said her only regret was not being able to “finish the job” of guiding NSW out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for the state and its people,” she said.

“So as I address you for the final time as your Premier, please stay the course and stay safe.”

Originally published as ‘Against every instinct’: Gladys Berejiklian’s parting shot before standing down