Gladys Berejiklian has defended her position while serving as the New South Wales premier after the ICAC made findings that she engaged in ‘corrupt conduct’.
The state's corruption watchdog has found that the former premier and her partner ex-Liberal MP Daryl Maguire, engaged in serious corrupt conduct almost two years after she stepped down as leader.
ABC News reported that the watchdog investigated if her relationship with the ex-Liberal MP influenced her conduct while in office, specifically her decision to give grants to the politician's area.
Advert
They found that she had breached the public trust in 2016 and 2017 by overseeing the awarding of a grant to the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) in Wagga Wagga without disclosing that he was in a relationship with Maguire.
Shortly after the report was handed down, Berejiklian issued a statement, as per 9News.
“Serving the people of NSW was an honour and privilege. At all times I have worked my hardest in the public interest. Nothing in this report demonstrates otherwise,” she said.
Advert
“Thank you to members of the public for their incredible support. This will sustain me always.
“The report is currently being examined by my legal team.”
While the ICAC did not recommend criminal charges be launched against Berejiklian, the report said that Maguire should be hit with a list of criminal charges.
The report said that between 2012 and 2018, Macguire inappropriately used his office to benefit G8wayInternational Pty Ltd, where he served as director and profited from.
Advert
In October 2021, Berejiklian said she would resign as premier shortly after the ICAC investigation was announced.
Ms Berejiklian held back tears as she explained in a press conference that she had 'no other option' but to stand down as the state's leader.
"I've had to make an extremely difficult decision overnight, one I feel obliged to do because of the love and respect I have are the people of New South Wales and the high regard with which I have the office of Premier," she said at the time.
Charisa Bossinakis