NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns over ICAC investigation

Through the state’s most difficult period, the outgoing Premier remained hugely popular. It is why today’s announcement will sting for so many.

At a press conference on August 10, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was characteristically resolute.

The daily Covid-19 update had been thrown off course with legitimate questions by ABC reporter Paul Farrell who wanted answers about the scandal that today forced her resignation.

He asked her once about her alleged involvement in a $5.5 million grant sought by her former boyfriend Daryl Maguire in 2017.

The money was being sought for the Australian Clay Target Association’s clubhouse and convention centre in Mr Maguire’s former electorate of Wagga Wagga.

“You requested a reassessment of the $5.5 million that Daryl Maguire stood to gain from ... Why did you do that and isn’t that a serious conflict of interest given you were in a secret relationship with him at the time?” Farrell asked.

His first attempt was met by furious denial.

“Can you please stand back a bit? Thank you,” she shot back.

“Firstly the proposition you’re putting is absolutely ridiculous. And second, all proper procedures were followed and that’s all I will say on the matter.”

"Can you please stand back a bit, thank you." Gladys Berejiklian asked why she intervened in a $5.5m grant in Daryl Maguire's electorate. Proposition is absolutely ridiculous, all proper processes were followed & that's all she'll say. "Please respect this press conference." pic.twitter.com/6hi3nPuaxj

— David Marler (@Qldaah) August 9, 2021

The reporter then followed up: “But you exchanged letters with Daryl Maguire about this project.”

“You wrote to him and thanked him for bringing it to the government’s attention. Wasn’t this a serious conflict of interest, getting involved in any way in that grant process, given you were in a relationship at the time?”

Ms Berejiklian ended the line of questioning with the following comments: “I refer to my previous answer, and please respect this press conference.”

Less than two months later, Ms Berejiklian has been forced to address the matter as the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it is investigating whether she “breached public trust” or “encouraged corrupt conduct”.

She said she had “never felt stronger or more confident in my leadership” but that the decision was inevitable.

Regardless, it will leave many of her constituents feeling “abandoned”, PR expert Nicole Reaney told news.com.au.

Gladys Berejiklian’s fall from grace

Today’s news ends a term as Premier that saw her public approval rating soar. The rumblings about her previous relationship and the spectre of the corruption watchdog’s investigation lingered but did no real damage until today.

“The Premier’s public image during 2020 was especially favourable,” Ms Reaney said.

“Community groups, individuals and organisations held her in high regard as she navigated the state through its first dealing of the pandemic.

“Even the effects of adverse press based on her relationship with a colleague were short-lived and had little impact.”

She said the pandemic had split the public but as leader Ms Berejiklian remained popular.

“In 2021 the Premier’s decisions through the Delta outbreak have been divisive. There’s been a lack of trust into the intention of various mandates made and a sense that policies are being made ‘on-the-go’,” Ms Reaney said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian looks on during a press conference at NSW Parliament House. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“From ongoing lockdown extensions from the initial ‘four days’ to vaccination and re-opening guidelines – these have had pockets of the population apprehensive, frustrated and enraged.
“Yet there are some parts of the population who have absolute admiration for her leadership, confidence and perseverance through the last two years.”

Ms Reaney said the outgoing Premier’s resignation “will certainly leave some residents feeling surprised and abandoned at a time she is very much needed as the state beings to reopen despite strong case numbers”.

“The next few months will determine what legacy she leaves,” Ms Reaney said.

“Should the ICAC inquiry uncover no evidence in relation to conflicts of interest, Gladys will uphold a strong public image and the community will be set to fight for her return.

“On the other side of the coin, should the inquiry uncover poor decisions and questionable actions, Gladys will face strong public scrutiny and will find it difficult to recover her reputation and position.”

‘I always acted with integrity’

The outgoing Premier said she was proud of her time as NSW leader and that she upheld the integrity of the office.

“I state categorically, I have always acted with the highest level of integrity,” she said.

“History will demonstrate that I have always executed my duties with the highest degree of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW who I have had the privilege to serve.

“As the leader of the NSW Government, I have expected the highest of standards of myself and my colleagues.

“I have 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 the 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 was held whilst an investigation was completed. That same standard must apply to me as Premier.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian was visibly upset when announcing her resignation on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper