NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that she is stepping down from the role after an investigation into her relationship with a former MP.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Covid-19 numbers are stabilising. Photo: AFP
Berejiklian says she will resign as soon as the Liberal Party can elect a new leader.
She will also resign from parliament.
"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."
Watch the press conference here:
Berejiklian said she had always acted with integrity
"My first consideration has always been the well-being and welfare of the people of this state. I state categorically I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate I have executed my duties again with the highest level of integrity for the benefit the people of New South Wales for who I have had the privilege to serve.
"As a leader of the New South Wales government, I have expected the high standards of myself and my colleagues and 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 during the course of investigation until their name was cleared.
"The reason for my stance was not to have made any presumptions as to their conduct but rather to maintain the integrity of the public office which that person has held while the investigation was completed. That same standard must always apply to me also as Premier. However, standing aside is not an option for me as a Premier of New South Wales. The people of this state need certainty as to who the leader is of the state during the challenging time for the pandemic.
"I cannot predict how long it will take you ICAC to complete the investigation, let alone deliver a report in circumstances rather first called to give evidence nearly 12 months ago."
Earlier today, NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) revealed it was investigating whether Berejiklian breached public trust when she awarded grants to several community organisations between 2012 and 2018.
The ICAC said it would probe whether Ms Berejiklian was in a position of conflict between her public duties and her private interests when she was in a personal relationship with then-MP Daryl Maguire.
The Premier will be questioned about grants awarded or promised to the Australian Clay Target Association in Wagga Wagga and to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga at a time when Maguire was the local member.
- ABC
- more to come