Scott Morrison responds to criticism faced over Gladys Berejiklian

Scott Morrison has spoken candidly about his failed attempt to convince Gladys Berejiklian to run for federal parliament.

Scott Morrison insists he is doing everything he can to bring more women into Liberal Party ranks, despite his unsuccessful attempt to win over Gladys Berejiklian.

Ms Berejiklian last month declared she would not seek preselection for the federal seat of Warringah despite strong encouragement from the Prime Minister.

While Mr Morrison was quick to push Ms Berejiklian to the top of his list of candidates, his public campaign also raised serious questions, given an ongoing ICAC investigation into the former NSW premier.

Scott Morrison has responded to criticism he faced over the failed installation of Gladys Berejiklian Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Ms Berejiklian has denied any wrongdoing and ICAC is yet to hand down its findings.

In an interview with Nine newspapers, the Prime Minister reflected on the criticism he faced.

“People can’t have it both ways,” Mr Morrison said.

“They can’t say, why aren’t you getting more women into parliament, and when I try and get women into parliament, and when it doesn’t happen, they attack me.

“Well, I’m going to have a go, I’m going to have a go lots of times.”

Gladys Berejiklian says she looks forward to new opportunities outside of public life after resigning as NSW Premier. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

In November, Mr Morrison described the independent watchdog as a “kangaroo court”.

“What was done to Gladys Berejiklian was an absolute disgrace, and I’m not going to allow that sort of a process, which seeks to publicly humiliate people on matters that have nothing to do with the issues before such a commission, to see those powers abused (and) seek to reduce the integrity of people like Gladys Berejiklian,” he told parliament at the time.

Asked about his line of attack, the Prime Minister said he would always “talk straight” about such matters.

“When people’s private lives are paraded around in the media rather than seeking to pursue (these matters) through a proper process, well, I’m going to call that out,” Mr Morrison told Nine.

Originally published as Scott Morrison responds to criticism faced over Gladys Berejiklian