Invest
Berejiklian resigns over corruption probe
The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has resigned amid a corruption probe.
Berejiklian resigns over corruption probe
Gladys Berejiklian has resigned as the Premier of New South Wales, just hours after the state’s anti-corruption watchdog announced she is the subject of a breach of public trust investigation.
“I have no option but to resign as Premier,” the outgoing Premier said in a brief press conference.
The move comes following the announcement that NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is actively investigating whether the Premier acted corruptly in several instances over the period of time from 2012 to 2018.
While the matters being investigated by ICAC are historical, Ms Berejiklian said that she had no option but to resign.
“Categorically, I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate that I’ve always executed my duties with the highest level of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW who I have the privilege to serve,” she said.
“I have made it clear on numerous occasions that if any of my ministers were the subject of allegations being investigated by an integrity agency or law enforcement, then he or she should stand aside until their name was cleared.”
Ms Berejiklian said that standing aside was not an option for the Premier of NSW, citing the current COVID-19 outbreak.
She said that she doesn’t know how long ICAC’s investigation process will take, but said that her resignation will take effect as soon as the NSW Liberal Party can elect a new leader.
Ms Berejiklian confirmed that she would also be resigning as a member of the NSW Parliament, following consultation with the electoral commission about when and how a by-election could take place.
“My resignation as Premier could not occur at a worse time, but the timing is completely out of my control, as ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the state’s history,” she said.
According to ICAC, it will be looking to establish if Ms Berejiklian engaged in conduct that “constituted or involved a breach of public trust” when she exercised her public powers at a time when she was in a personal relationship with the then NSW Member of Parliament, Mr Daryl Maguire.
ICAC also said that they will be scrutinising how and whether the Premier awarded grants to the Australian Clay Target Association in 2016 and 2017, and the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga in 2018.
The anti-corruption watchdog added that it will be investigating whether the Premier “was liable to allow or encourage the occurrence of corrupt conduct by Mr Maguire”.
ICAC is also investigating whether Mr Maguire was involved in conduct that represented a breach of public trust by using parliamentary resources to “improperly” gain a benefit for himself.
Public hearings for inquiry will begin on 18 October 2021.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Economy
Australian and Korean leaders meet to unlock billions in new trade opportunities
In a significant effort to bolster economic ties and explore new avenues for investment, Australian and Korean leaders, alongside business executives and government officials, are gathering in Seoul ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s growth beat is real — but it’s the wrong kind for capacity
Australia’s economy outpaced forecasts in the June quarter as households opened wallets and government spending did the heavy lifting, even as public investment sagged. The signal for boardrooms: ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s growth is back—but it’s the wrong kind of strong
GDP surprised on the upside in the June quarter, powered by households and government outlays even as public investment slumped. The Reserve Bank stayed hawkish, signalling that sticky services ...Read more
Economy
Australia's Economic Resilience: Strong GDP growth challenges RBA's policy stance
In a surprising turn of events, Australia's economy has shown greater resilience than anticipated, with the latest Q2 GDP report revealing a stronger performance largely driven by vigorous household ...Read more
Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more
Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more
Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more
Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more
Economy
Australian and Korean leaders meet to unlock billions in new trade opportunities
In a significant effort to bolster economic ties and explore new avenues for investment, Australian and Korean leaders, alongside business executives and government officials, are gathering in Seoul ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s growth beat is real — but it’s the wrong kind for capacity
Australia’s economy outpaced forecasts in the June quarter as households opened wallets and government spending did the heavy lifting, even as public investment sagged. The signal for boardrooms: ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s growth is back—but it’s the wrong kind of strong
GDP surprised on the upside in the June quarter, powered by households and government outlays even as public investment slumped. The Reserve Bank stayed hawkish, signalling that sticky services ...Read more
Economy
Australia's Economic Resilience: Strong GDP growth challenges RBA's policy stance
In a surprising turn of events, Australia's economy has shown greater resilience than anticipated, with the latest Q2 GDP report revealing a stronger performance largely driven by vigorous household ...Read more
Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more
Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more
Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more
Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more
