Gladys Berejiklian resigns: Political friends, rivals pay tribute to departing NSW Premier
Gladys Berejiklian’s political demise sparked tributes ranging from the PM to former sparring partner Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The resignation of Gladys Berejiklian as NSW Premier, amid an investigation by the state’s corruption watchdog, has sparked surprise, and tributes, across the political spectrum.
Her bombshell announcement came after the ICAC announced it would investigate her over her relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Ms Berejiklian “displayed heroic qualities” as her state’s leader, adding that she was a “dear friend”.
“I know how much she is trusted and respected by the people of NSW,” Mr Morrison said.
Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese said Ms Berejiklian had “made the right decision ... on a difficult day” while calling upon Prime Minister Scott Morrison to establish a national anti-corruption body.
“Mr Morrison refuses to apply the same set of integrity that Gladys Berejiklian applied to herself,” Mr Albanese said.
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
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Premier had led NSW through “some of its darkest days” in her time as Premier.
“I have served as the Deputy Premier to Gladys Berejiklian for almost five years and in that time she has led this state through some of its darkest days,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to defend their name and I wish Gladys all the best for her future. Any speculation regarding Liberal party leadership remains an issue for the Liberal party.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wished her state counterpart “the best for the future”.
“Contrary to some public commentary, I have always respected Gladys and found her to be good company,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“When Gladys Berejiklian became NSW’ first elected female Premier, it was a significant achievement for women everywhere.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described Ms Berejiklian as a “person of integrity”, and said the pair had worked well together.
“I have always worked very closely with her and I find her to be a person of integrity and a person who works hard for her state,” Mr Andrews said.
“She has been a very important partner with us. That’s what I know.”
In a statement on Friday, the NSW ICAC said it was investigating whether Berejiklian “exercised public functions” in a position of conflict between her public duties and private relationship with Maguire, revealed in late 2020.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet described Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation as an “incredibly sad day for NSW”, as reports emerge that he has thrown his hat in the ring to replace her.
“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.”
NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns thanked Gladys Berejiklian for her service and acknowledged her efforts in leading the state through the Covid-19 crisis.
While admitting it was important to examine the details of the revelations, Mr Minns has attempted to bring the attention back to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For all our disagreements, I never doubted Gladys’ dedication to NSW, or her work in the service of it. I thanked her for her service,” he wrote in a statement.
“The focus of the NSW Liberal-National Government right now needs to be on getting the state through the Covid-19 emergency.
“For the people of New South Wales the Covid-19 crisis is still very real, much of the state is locked down, businesses are shut, schools are closed, families are separated, hospitals are under pressure.
“The focus must be to work on behalf of the people of New South Wales first and foremost, even in the midst of a leadership contest.”
The ICAC’s public inquiry into Ms Berejiklian’s conduct over her relationship with Mr Maguire will be held from October 18, overseen by ICAC Assistant Commissioner Ruth McColl SC.
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