NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced her resignation from Parliament in a press conference this afternoon.
The resignation of NSW state premier, Gladys Berejikilian, comes after confirmation that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) would commence an investigation into whether or not there was a conflict between her public duties and private interests.
Ms Berejiklian acknowledged that the announcement comes amid some of the “darkest days in the state’s history.”
Berejiklian asserted she had “no choice” but to resign as premier after ICAC revealed it was investigating whether she had been involved in “a breach of public trust” between 2012 and 2018 because of her relationship with disgraced former MP, Daryl Maguire.
Australia's NSW state premier resigns after corruption watchdog launches probe https://t.co/sU4BMQpbDu pic.twitter.com/0V2GWfNRSw
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 1, 2021
“I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report, in circumstances where I was first called to give evidence at a public hearing nearly 12 months ago,” she said.
“Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign the office of premier. My resignation will take effect as soon as the NSW Liberal party can elect a new parliamentary leader.”
That decision is due to take place on Tuesday when the Liberals will hold a party room meeting.
'Acted with integrity': NSW premier Berejiklian resigns after Icac announces investigation – video https://t.co/mrcdmB52rm
— The Guardian (@guardian) October 1, 2021
Gladys has been NSW’s longest-serving premier in recent years, holding office for four years and eight months.
She was initially elected in 2017, when she became NSW’s first female Liberal premier. She was re-elected in March 2019, when the Liberal Coalition won the state election.
Her resignation has saddened many people, who respected and admired the dedicated politician. Further, Gladys’s sudden departure comes at an inconvenient time where NSW has reached two new COVID milestones.
Currently, there is a lot of speculation surrounding who will replace Gladys as NSW’s premier.
