‘Separate standard for women’: Australia reacts to Gladys Berejiklian’s ‘brutal’ end
Australians have reacted to Gladys Berejiklian’s “brutal” resignation, with many pointing to the “separate standard” at play in her announcement.
Australians have reacted to Gladys Berejiklian’s “brutal” resignation as NSW Premier, with many pointing to the “separate standard” at play in her announcement.
Ms Berejiklian announced her “difficult decision” to step down after the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it is investigating whether she “breached public trust” or “encouraged corrupt conduct” in a bombshell statement outlining the probe.
The investigation relates to the allegations surrounding her secret romantic relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire and whether she knew anything that should have been reported to corruption authorities earlier.
In an emotional press conference this afternoon, Ms Berejiklian said she had “been given no option” but to stand down, telling reporters that given the state’s current Covid-19 situation, her resignation “could not occur at a worse time” and doing so “is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do”.
“I love my job and I love serving the community, but I have been given no option. Following the statement that’s been issued today, to continue as Premier would disrupt the state government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting NSW,” she added.
“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. It always has been and always will be.”
While many took to social media to acknowledge the importance of Ms Berejiklian being held to account, others expressed their sadness at the apparent double standard displayed by her resignation.
“Gladys Berejiklian has resigned. Christian Porter remains in federal parliament,” writer, lawyer and gender equality advocate Tarang Chawla wrote on Twitter.
“I can’t help but feel there’s one standard for male leaders and a separate one for women.”
Chawla was referring to the former Attorney-General and Industry Minister’s sensational resignation in late September, after it was revealed he accepted an anonymous donation through a blind trust to pay for his legal action in a now discontinued case against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan. Mr Porter remains on the backbench.
Jenny Mikakos, who stepped down last year from her role as Victorian Health Minister over the state’s bungled hotel quarantine system, also shared that she “can’t help but feel sad that Gladys’ long career of public service was felled by a man”.
Gladys Berejiklian has resigned. Christian Porter remains in federal parliament.
— Tarang / तरंग (@tarang_chawla) October 1, 2021
I can’t help but feel there’s one standard for male leaders and a separate one for women. #AusPol
Can’t help but feel sad that Gladys’ long career of public service was felled by a man.
— Jenny Mikakos #DoubleAZvaccinated (@JennyMikakos) October 1, 2021
Former Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey described Ms Berejiklian’s resignation as “an absolute tragedy for the people of NSW”.
“She has been the best political leader Australia has seen in years taking the state through drought, bushfires and Covid.
“ICAC again pulls down a fine Premier for something other than corruption.”
We have lost one of our best Premiers today. Gladys has been a dedicated reformer and dynamic builder. She led the State bravely and tirelessly through the bushfires and the pandemic. Thank you Gladys.
— Malcolm Turnbull 💉💉 (@TurnbullMalcolm) October 1, 2021
Thanks for your service @GladysB and best of luck in your next endeavour. Among other things, you’ve shown a generation of girls that it’s possible to hold the top job. Thoughts are also with your staff on what would be a very tough day. #nswpol
— Emma Webster (@e_mmawebster) October 1, 2021
NSW has lost a fine leader in @GladysB who worked damn hard for this state. There will be some people in pissant jobs gloating. But Gladys has shown stellar leadership that other premiers haven’t and couldn’t muster.
— janet albrechtsen (@jkalbrechtsen) October 1, 2021
My 8yo just asked if boys can be premiers. Thank you so much @GladysB for making that a question a kid in NSW has to ask. You will always be a role model to so many young women, and men (even if they don’t realise it!)
— Daisy Turnbull (@ms_dzt) October 1, 2021
‘Heroic’: PM reacts to Gladys bombshell
Scott Morrison described the NSW Premier as a “vibrant spirit” who has displayed “heroic qualities”.
The Prime Minister, who was holding a press conference at the same as Ms Berejiklian’s, said he had “no knowledge” of her announcement until he was informed by reporters.
But, he described her as a “dear friend of mine”.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. She has displayed heroic qualities – heroic qualities as the Premier of NSW. I have worked with her extremely closely, and she has always been a vibrant spirit when it comes to our debates, doing the best for the people of NSW,” Mr Morrison said.
“I know how much she is trusted and respected by the people of NSW, and I have no doubt that Gladys will always conduct herself in a way that serves the integrity of the office that she has held, and I know how seriously she takes that trust.
“I’ve always found Gladys to be a person of the highest integrity. She has been a trusted friend and a very respected colleague.
“I wish her well if that is the case, and I know that the great work that she has done as NSW Premier throughout the course of this pandemic will be continued by her government, who will be a great partner of the Federal Government in ensuring we move the country forward.”
‘I never doubted Gladys’ dedication to NSW’
NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro also paid tribute to Ms Berejiklian, saying that in the five years he’d served as her Deputy, she “led this State through some of its darkest days”.
“Everyone has the right to defend their name and I wish Gladys all the best for her future,” Mr Barilaro added.
“Any speculation regarding Liberal Party leadership remains an issue for the Liberal Party.
“The NSW Nationals remain committed to a strong and stable NSW Coalition Government.”
Dominic Perrottet, the NSW Treasurer and one of the contenders to fill Ms Berejiklian’s shoes, called her “one of the most outstanding leaders our state has ever had”, whose “decision is a loss to public life in NSW”.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for NSW. I would like to offer my gratitude and thanks to Gladys Berejiklian for the leadership and strength she has shown throughout her career and especially during one of the most challenging periods any leader could ever encounter,” he said in a statement.
“Gladys has worked tirelessly before and through the pandemic to protect the people of NSW from Covid-19 and to ensure our great State remains strong and resilient.
“The Premier has always placed the wellbeing and welfare of NSW first, showing an unstinting dedication to public service and a great love for her community.”
Earlier today, asked about the investigation, Ms Berejiklian’s Victorian counterpart Daniel Andrews refused to comment. But, he told reporters he had a good working relationship with her.
“I work very well with Gladys, always have done. I’m not here to be running a commentary on her, other than to state the absolute fact: that I have always worked very closely with her and I find her to be a person of integrity and a person that works hard for her state and has been an important partner for us,” he said.
“That’s what I know.”
In her “final” address as Premier, Ms Berejiklian thanked her family, friends, public servants and “most importantly … the people of NSW”.
“We’ve grieved and supported each other during these tragedies,” she said.
“I hope you know that you will remain foremost in my thoughts, the courage that you display in your lives every day has inspired me every step of the way, the courage and the support you’ve shown me has humbled me and made me a better leader and a better person.
“Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for our state and its people. I truly believe that NSW is a place where every person, irrespective of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to be their best to make a difference.
“So as I address you for the final time as your premium. Please stay the course and stay safe. We will be shortly out of this lockdown and be able to get on with our lives. New South Wales and its people will come out of this lockdown stronger, and together we will build a future full of optimism and hope. Finally, thank you again for giving me the honour of being your premier.”
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