The Resignation of Gladys Berejiklian
What the fuck happened?
Yesterday the ICAC- The Independent Commission Against Corruption announced that they were launching an investigation into NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her “secret relationship” with member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire.
Shortly after this announcement Gladys called a presser in Sydney and announced she was resigning from her position as Premier of NSW and from NSW Parliament. She confirmed that her resignation would take place as soon as the Liberal Party of NSW could elect a new parliamentary leader, but that her resignation press conference would be her final.
“My resignation as a Premier could not happen at a worse time… I have been given no option.”
What is she being investigated for?
Gladys Berejiklian is being investigated because of her “secret partnership” with former member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire. Maguire is currently under investigation by ICAC for corruption and using parliamentary office resources for direct financial gain.
As a part of Operation Keppel, set to be re-launched on October 18, Berejiklian will be scrutinised to reveal whether she was in a “position of conflict between her public duties and her private interest.”
The years between 2012 and 2018 are what are being focused on- the years that Gladys and Daryl were in a relationship. ICAC are looking into a number of things including:
Did the relationship between Gladys and Daryl put her in a “position of conflict”?
Did Gladys breach public trust by not reporting a matter that she suspected was corrupt conduct?
Did Gladys take advantage of the powers of her position to provide funding to the Australian Clay Target Association in Wagga Wagga? This project was backed by Maguire and had a budget of $5.5 million set aside for it.
Was that same abuse of power used for the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga? Berejiklian denies that she approved a $30 million funding for this project, despite evidence of an approval letter.
Due to COVID the inquiries will take place via Zoom and are expected to run for 10 days.
What happens now?
So, because Gladys Berejiklian resigned from not only her role as the Premier of NSW, but also from Parliament entirely, this means a by-election will need to be held for her seat of Willoughby.
“In order to allow the new leader and government a fresh start, I will also resign from the New South Wales Parliament once I have consulted the electoral commission on appropriate timing for a by-election given the COVID restrictions.”
As for the Premier of NSW- it looks like it may be a three man race to potentially replace Berejiklian. Deputy Leader Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Planning Rob Stokes and Job Minister Stuart Ayres.
Okay… but Christian Porter is still a member of parliament? Makes sense.
In a tale as old as time, there is seemingly one standard for women and one for white males. If you remember former Industry Minister Christian Porter resigned from the front bench on September 19 after it was revealed a mystery trust was bankrolling his legal fees in his defamation case against the ABC. However, even though he has resigned from the front bench, he remains on the backbench as a member for the WA seat of Pearce. Don’t forget why he was suing the ABC for defamation in the first place- allegations of a historical rape.
So, yes- I will put my hand on my heart and tell you right now that women have a different standard to uphold to men. Especially in the case of Gladys and Christian. Australian Politics, gotta love it, right?
What does everyone else have to say? Is Gladys really corrupt?
Berejiklian, understandably insists she is not corrupt, and that her biggest regret is that this situation has meant she will not be able to guide NSW through COVID, a job she started.
“Notwithstanding the challenges of the last few years and few months in particular, I have never felt stronger, nor more confident in my leadership.”
So… what are other politicians saying about this? A couple of quotes below:
“I find her to be a person of integrity, a person that works hard for her state and has been a very important partner with us.” - Dan Andrews, Victorian 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. Everyone has the right to defend their name and I wish Gladys all the best for her future.” - Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro.
Time for a federal ICAC.. don’t you think?
