Gladys Berejiklian encouraged to switch to federal politics

Gladys Berejiklian sensationally resigned from political life, but many close to the outgoing premier say she’s not done yet.

A federal tilt, including a stint as prime minister, could be on the cards for outgoing premier Gladys Berejiklian if NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has his way.

Mr Constance, who announced he would resign from his position later in the year to make a run at the federal seat of Gilmore, on Tuesday said having Ms Berejiklian in the federal parliament would be “unreal”.

“Yeah, absolutely. I think if Glad can get cleared up – whatever these issues are, through the public hearing process – I think she’d be unreal,” Mr Constance told ABC Radio National.

Andrew Constance says Gladys Berejiklian would make an ‘unreal’ federal MP. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“You know, you couldn't have a more hardworking deeply principled, you know, Australian female politician then Gladys Berejiklian. So, yeah, if that’s an option, why not?”

Earlier, Scott Morrison remained tight-lipped on whether Gladys Berejiklian would be offered a tilt at a federal seat, saying that Ms Berejiklian has to “deal with the issues before her” before taking her next step.

I am totally grateful for the work that Gladys has done as Premier,” the Prime Minister told Channel 7’s Sunrise.

“I worked very closely with her over a very long period of time, back when she was Treasurer, and even before that.

“I join with the many thousands, if not millions, of people from NSW who are very sad that she has had to step down.

Mr Morrison said that he was certain Ms Berejiklian would have a “contribution to make” once the ICAC investigation into her conduct is complete.

“I know she has a lot more to contribute, there are many ways I’m sure she can do that,” he said.

“When she has worked through those issues, I’m sure she will set out what she would like to do next.

“But I’m quite certain that people of NSW would love to see her contributing in one way or another.”

Ms Berejiklian on Friday announced she would resign as premier and from the NSW parliament altogether ahead of an ICAC investigation on whether she breached public trust or engaged in corrupt conduct.

The investigation is related to allegations surrounding disgraced former MP, and Ms Berejiklian’s ex-boyfriend, Daryl McGuire

At the heart of the probe is questions of what she knew and when.

But many within the Liberal Party believe the outgoing premier has more to give, with reports she could be installed as the party’s federal candidate for Warringah once her name is cleared.

Scott Morrison on Tuesday left the door open to a federal tilt for the outgoing premier. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Asked if he would encourage her to make the switch, Mr Constance said: “One hundred per cent.

“Do I think she’s got the capacity to be prime minister of Australia? You bet.”