NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is standing her ground, resisting calls to resign after a dramatic day at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Ms Berejiklian was answering questions at ICAC’s probe into allegations against former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire when she dropped a bombshell – revealing she was previously in a “close personal relationship” with Mr Maguire.
ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Maguire used his public office to enhance his business dealings.
This afternoon, the Premier said she would not be standing aside.
“I haven’t done anything in wrong,” she said.
“If I had done something wrong I would be the first one to consider my position.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian says this is a "personal nightmare". "You cannot appreciate, for someone who's very private … who is very by the book … who put her trust in someone she thought she could trust. I can't tell you what it's done to me personally."
— Clare Armstrong (@ByClare) October 12, 2020
Opposition Leader Jodi McKay said the Premier cannot stay in her position.
“For someone who describes herself as doing things by the book, not once did Gladys report this behaviour or disclose this relationship,” Ms McKay said on Twitter.
“ICAC has exposed the NSW Premier of turning a blind eye to corruption. That any Liberal Minister would stand behind her today speaks of her Government’s attitude towards corruption. This Government is rotten to the core.”
Gladys Berejiklian cannot walk in to the parliament tomorrow as Premier of NSW, given her evidence at ICAC today. She must resign.
— Jodi McKay (@JodiMcKayMP) October 12, 2020
Ms Berejiklian fronted the media this afternoon with some heavy support – Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
Ms Berejiklian said her trust in Mr Maguire was “misplaced”.
“It is a deeply difficult time for me in my life to accept that but I have to,” she said.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
