Scott Morrison slams ICAC as Gladys Berejiklian turns down opportunity in federal politics

Scott Morrison has come out swinging after hearing the news that Gladys Berejiklian will not run for Warringah.

The Prime Minister has come out swinging after hearing the news that former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian will not run for the Liberal Party in the seat of Warringah at next year’s election.

Scott Morrison told 2GB he “totally respected” Ms Berejiklian’s decision not to make the move to federal politics before proceeding to launch yet another attack against the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Mr Morrison slammed the independent watchdog, insisting the former NSW Premier had been treated in an “awful” way throughout the hearings.

“Information was being disclosed in the public arena about some of the most personal things,” he said.

“That’s not justice. It’s not.

“It’s not how people should be treating with respect the late Premier of NSW.”

Scott Morrison slammed ICAC, insisting Gladys Berejiklian had been treated in an ‘awful’ way throughout the hearings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Ms Berejiklian resigned as premier in October after ICAC revealed it was investigating whether she was linked to acts of corruption while in a relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

ICAC considered whether she failed in her duty to report suspected corruption, breached the public trust and assisted Mr Maguire carry out corrupt dealings.

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

But the Prime Minister has rushed passed ICAC’s final verdict, loudly expressing his own belief in the innocence of the former premier.

Ms Berejiklian resigned as NSW Premier after ICAC revealed it was investigating whether she was linked to acts of corruption. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

In November, Mr Morrison described the independent watchdog as a “kangaroo court” while slamming the Labor Party for supporting the inquiry.

On Friday, he fired up once again, insisting Ms Berejiklian had been mistreated throughout the corruption scandal.

“I‘ve being very public about my views about the way I think she’s been treated and I think its awful,” Mr Morrison told 2GB.

“People can have their view one way or the other, but I call it pretty straight.”

Scott Morrison has rushed passed ICAC’s final verdict, loudly expressing his own belief in the innocence of Ms Berejiklian. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

The Prime Minister has publicly encouraged Ms Berejiklian to run for the Northern Sydney seat Warringah throughout the past week.

But on Friday, Ms Berejiklian laid the rumours to rest confirming she would not be entering federal politics.

“I’m looking forward to a much less public life. I won’t be contesting the federal seat of Warringah or any other seat for that matter,” she told 2GB.

“I’m going in a different direction and I’m looking forward to the opportunities that next year brings.”

Originally published as Scott Morrison slams ICAC as Gladys Berejiklian turns down opportunity in federal politics