Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced she will quit as NSW Premier after the Independent Commission Against Corruption revealed she was being investigated.
“Resigning at this time is against every instinct of my well-being ... I love my job and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ms Berejiklian read a prepared statement and did not take any questions. She was advised about the ICAC investigation on Thursday afternoon.
As premier, she said it was not an option for her to stand aside while the ICAC inquiry took place, saying she did not know how long that would take and that the people of NSW needed certainty.
“I want to be clear, and all the decisions I have made as minister or premier of NSW, my first consideration has always been the wellbeing and welfare of the people of this state,” she said.
“I state categorically I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate I have executed my duties again with the highest level of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW for who I have had the privilege to serve.”
Ms Berejiklian says she will also leave parliament as soon as a byelection can be held.
“I’m extremely confident that whoever succeeds me will be more than capable to continue the job.
“Please give them your trust and confidence. We will come through this. Stronger, more resilient and appreciating what really matters in life. I felt strong, energised and optimistic about the future of NSW.”
The NSW corruption watchdog announced it will investigate whether she breached public trust or encouraged the occurrence of corrupt conduct during her secret relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire.
The ICAC said it was investigating whether between 2012 and 2018 Ms Berejiklian engaged in conduct that “constituted or involved a breach of public trust by exercising public functions” relating to her public role and her private, personal relationship with Mr Maguire.
Former MP Daryl Maguire and Gladys Berejiklian both gave evidence to the ICAC last year.Credit:
The inquiry will look at grant money awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association in 2016/17 and grant funding awarded to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in 2018.
It will also examine whether Ms Berejiklian engaged in conduct that “constituted or involved the dishonest or partial exercise of any of her official functions and/or a breach of public trust” by failing to report any actions of Mr Maguire to the ICAC.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption on Friday issued a statement confirming it would hold a public inquiry from Monday, October 18.
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