As it happened: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns after ICAC announces investigation into relationship with Daryl Maguire

That is a wrap from me. Thank you to everyone who has been following this blog and apologies for not responding to everyone's comments.

We'll be continuing our coverage on the 7pm news and 7.30 report will have a special show looking at how today's events unfolded. You can catch it on ABC iView.

We're wrapping this blog soon, but I thought I would leave you with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's statement in full.

I have had to make an extremely difficult decision overnight, but one which I feel obliged to do because of the love and respect that I have for the people of New South Wales and the high regard which I have for the office of Premier.

I was advised late yesterday afternoon the Independent Commission Against Corruption would today release a public statement in which it will state it is investigating allegations made about me concerning matters relating to the former member for Wagga Wagga.

As it will be clear from the ICAC statement, the issues which it is investigating are historic matters that have already been the subject of numerous attacks on me by political opponents during the last 12 months.

Many of the matters were the subject of questions I was asked by the opposition while appearing before an estimates committee hearing earlier this year. I want to be very clear, in all the decisions I have ever made as a Minister or as Premier for New South Wales, 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 that I have always executed my duties with the highest degree of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW who I have had the privilege to serve.

As the leader of the New South Wales Government, I have expected the highest of standards of myself and my colleagues. 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 during the course of the 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 was held whilst an investigation was completed. That same standard must apply to me as Premier.

However, standing aside is not an option for me as the Premier of New South Wales. The people of New South Wales need certainty as to who their leader is during these challenging times of the pandemic. I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report, in circumstances where I was first called to give evidence at a public hearing nearly 12 months ago. Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign the office of Premier. My resignation will take effect as soon as the New South Wales liberal party can elect a new Parliamentary leader.

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.

My resignation as Premier could not happen at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW.

That is the ICAC's prerogative. Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do, I love my job, and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement issued.

To continue as Premier would disrupt the State Government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting New South Wales. I do not want to be a distraction from what should be the focus of the state government during this pandemic, which is the well-being of our citizens.

Notwithstanding the challenges of the last few years and few months in particular, I have never felt stronger, nor more confident in my leadership. I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life. At times we all stumble, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start again stronger and wiser than before. I have done this many times, as we all have.

My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of New South Wales transition to living freely with COVID.

However, I am extremely confident that whoever succeeds me will be more than capable of continuing this job. Please give them your trust and confidence. We will come through this period stronger, more resilient, and appreciating what really matters in life.

I feel strong, energised and optimistic about the future of this great state.

I want to thank the thousands of our frontline heroes who have kept us safe and kept us going during the darkest days in our state history. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Nothing that we can say or do will be able to demonstrate the significance of what you have done.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Liberal Party to whom I owe my career, the people of the electorate of Willoughby who have elected me five times to be their member of Parliament, my Parliamentary colleagues for their support and hard work, my outstanding and loyal staff past and present, and all the professional public servants with whom I have worked.

I also want to thank my family and friends who have provided me with unconditional support and understanding when I have not been as present due to my responsibilities.

Most importantly I want to thank you, the people of New South Wales. When the chips were down in the past years, in particular during the drought, bushfires and then COVID, we stood alongside each other. We have grieved and supported each other during these tragedies. I hope you know that you will remain foremost in my thoughts. The courage that you display in your lives every day has inspired me every step of the way. The courage and the support you have shown me has humbled me and made me a better leader and a better person. Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for our state and its people.

I truly believe that New South Wales is a place where every person, irrespective of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to be their best, to make a difference.

So as I address you for the final time as your Premier, please stay the course and stay safe. We will be shortly out of this lockdown and be able to get on with our lives. NSW and its people will come out of this lockdown stronger, and together we will build a future full of optimism and hope.

Finally, thank you again for giving me the honour of being your Premier.

NSW state political reporter, Ashleigh Raper, has laid out why the Premier's position was untenable. She had survived drought, bushfires and a pandemic, with her popularity riding high. 

All of that has come to a sudden end.

Read more, here.

Bruce Baird is the former Deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party and the father of former Premier, Mike Baird, and has expressed sadness at Gladys Berejiklian's departure from the Premiership.

"I think Gladys did a great job as Premier," he told the ABC's Richard Glover.

"She was super hard working and was without any personal conceit, she just got on with the job. And I personally think she did a terrific job in terms of COVID-19 and her unpretentious style and fronting up to the media deserves plaudits. So I'm be very sad today."

Mr Baird said given the corruption watchdog investigation into her actions, she had no choice but to resign as Premier .

"I think that's the normal custom, if you've got accusations against you as Premier, you can stand down but it's a bad look," he said.

"You're under investigation by ICAC, and you revive and go on. I think she's been around in politics long enough to know that the fact that ICAC was starting a new inquiry, meant it was difficult to hang on."

Commenting on the fact that no Premier has served their full term since Labor's Bob Carr in 2005, Bruce Baird said he was part of the State Cabinet that decided to bring in ICAC.

"Certainly the way it's decimated several of our finest Premiers, is very disappointing that this is the result," he said.

"One could question whether sometimes ICAC goes too far, I personally think it's important that we have ICAC to change the culture in the State that was there for a long time.

"So it's important to have it, but does it go too far when you have this result. I mean no one could say that Gladys is other than totally squeaky clean. As treasurer you sign off on hundreds of grants all the time, so here to be called into question because of her relationship with Daryl Maguire, I think that's very unfortunate."

He said she is one of the best Premiers the state has had.

"I'd rank her as my second favourite, otherwise my son would cause me problems," he said.

Referring to both Gladys and previous Liberal Premiers that have been toppled from the top job after corruption investigations, including Nick Greiner and Barry O'Farrell, he said it was "a pity".

"There's some very talented people there were levelled with too low a bar."

Adding to the pile of praise for Gladys Berejiklian is Federal Member for Sydney and Shadow Minister for Education and Women, Tanya Plibersek.

However, like Anthony Albanese, she also made calls for a Federal-level ICAC.

This is just a reminder that it's been 18 years since a NSW Premier has served a full term. The last Premier to not have not been ousted by their own party or to not resign was Bob Carr in 2003.

The state's top job is basically the Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching position at Hogwarts.

One of Ms Berejiklian's closest allies, Environment Minister Matt Kean, says it is "an incredibly sad day for NSW". He released this statement in the aftermath of her resignation.

"Gladys Berejiklian is a remarkable person. Over the last four and half years, she has led NSW with dignity, determination and poise.

NSW is a better place because of Gladys Berejiklian. Today, women in this State are able to decide what happens with their bodies because of Gladys Berejiklian.

Today, our citizens can spend more time with their friends and families because of Gladys Berejiklian  — the Opal card, the metros, the highways are her achievements.

Today, young girls and first generation Australians know they can succeed in our country because of the example Gladys Berejiklian has set.

Future generations of Australians are going to enjoy a better planet and a more prosperous society because of the reforms she alone was able to achieve.

But most of all, NSW is a better place because of the way she touched each of our lives: day after day through the Black Summer bushfires and this pandemic she has been there for NSW. Her tough decisions, and her courage to do what she thought was right has saved lives.

She has shown how much evidence based, diligent leadership can achieve in an age of mistruths, conspiracy and misinformation.

No doubt over coming months there will be much public discussion over what has occurred today, its circumstances and the wisdom of this week's decisions that brought it about.

However, the dignity, calmness, and commitment to her high office and the people of this State that we saw today were the hallmarks of a Premier and a person I am proud to have served."

Gladys Berejiklian is gone — and who will replace her remains unclear. A long weekend in NSW could mean its several days before the state's next premier is revealed.

Here are the men poised to replace Ms Berejiklian.

Meet the men in the mix to take NSW's top job

In her own words, Gladys Berejiklian says her resignation "could not happen at a worse time". So why is she doing it? It comes down to a few things and one of them is NSW's all-powerful corruption watchdog.

Ceclia Connell breaks down everything leading up to her shock resignation.

I loved my time working in print and still subscribe to several different physical publications, but today's cover of the Australian Financial Review (AFR) is some very unfortunate timing.

The Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says two multi-million dollar projects linked to the anti-corruption watchdog's investigation of the former Premier were worthy uses of government funding.

The ICAC is investigating whether Gladys Berejiklian breached public trust in awarding grants to the Australian Clay Target Association and Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga.

Mr McCormack said both projects deserved the money.

"I know the people who run those organisations so very hard to put together programs particularly for young people so they can hone their skills whether that's with a clay target rifle in hand or with a musical instrument and this must be of concern to them," Mr McCormack said.

"Those two organisations are well run and have been well run by volunteers groups for many, many years and hopefully the projects were funded hopefully we will see the benefits for many years to come.

"Why they were granted that money that is very much a matter for ICAC and it would be inappropriate for me to comment but those two projects I will just put on the record were needed for this city and indeed Wagga Wagga has done very well under the Liberals and Nationals Government."

Mr McCormack has also thanked the former Premier for her service.

"She has done a fine job of running this state through some of its hardest and darkest days," he said.

We've been looking at the political fallout, but I wanted to take a moment to actually examine the investigation about, especially given I raised it in a previous post. Taken from the ICAC media release, this is what the corruption is specifically looking into:

The Commission is investigating whether, between 2012 and 2018, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP engaged in conduct that:

• constituted or involved a breach of public trust by exercising public functions in circumstances where she was in a position of conflict between her public duties and her private interest as a person who was in a personal relationship with the then NSW Member of Parliament, Mr Daryl Maguire, in connection with: grant funding promised and/or awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association Inc in 2016/2017; and grant funding promised and/or awarded to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga in 2018; and/or
• constituted or involved the partial exercise of any of her official functions, in connection with: grant funding promised and/or awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association Inc in 2016/2017; grant funding promised and/or awarded to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga in 2018; and/or
• constituted or involved the dishonest or partial exercise of any of her official functions and/or a breach of public trust by refusing to exercise her duty pursuant to section 11 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to report any matter that she suspected on reasonable grounds concerned or may concern corrupt conduct in relation to the conduct of Mr Daryl Maguire; and/or
• was liable to allow or encourage the occurrence of corrupt conduct by Mr Maguire.

The Chairman of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music is "disappointed" deals linked to the organisation are again the subject of public scrutiny, arguing they've done nothing wrong.

A total promised $30 million dollars in grants for a new concert hall is one of two Wagga Wagga based grants being examined by ICAC, and was also repeatedly mentioned in a parliamentary inquiry into government grants.

Chairman Andrew Wallace says there's been "no impropriety from the conservatorium”.

“But certainly the stuff that was said in the upper house and the questions that have been asked in the community since, it just creates a different tone in the community towards us, which is totally unwarranted,” he said.

“And that's very, very frustrating because we're still doing our job and doing the best we can.”

Stepan Kerkyasharian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive of the Community Relations Commission of NSW, now known as Multicultural NSW, said Ms Berejiklian's resignation was a big loss for the state.

Mr Kerkyasharian said she will be remembered for her dedication, hard work and public service for the people of NSW, especially coming from a migrant background.

"We have to look at her with admiration. She is the daughter of a migrant family, from a relatively small community like the Armenian community," he said.

"She overcame a lot of difficulties as a child of a migrant family, like many other migrants do. She exceeded everything that was possible, overcame all the problems that any migrant would face in a new country and rose to the top of the political ladder. and every migrant person in Australia can be proud of her, she will remain an example of how migrants have helped build Australia."

Former NSW director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery says Ms Berejiklian was forced into a corner after holding her ground for almost 12 months. 

"She perhaps could have handled it differently, when the ICAC rumblings began about one year ago she may have stood aside at that point and allowed the ICAC investigation to proceed. She did not. She stayed the course," Mr Cowdery said. 

"Now I think she finds herself in a corner from which you cannot escape and so resignation is the best thing." 

"I suspect (the ICAC) was brought to a position where it really did not have much choice but to make the statement that it has made and to take this to the next step," he said. 

"I think the timing has been forced on ICAC just as much as it was forced on the Premier." 

How Ms Berejiklian dealt with public money will be at the heart of the corruption inquiry. 

"The public needs to have confidence that our politicians will use our money, taxpayer money, to the advantage of the taxpayers and not for their own political advantage," Mr Cowdery said. 

Mr Cowdery also echoed other calls for the ICAC to have completely independent funding and said the fact it was targeting the highest leader in the state showed it was successfully achieving its purpose. 

"[Cutting funding] is a not so subtle way of interfering with independence meaning (bodies like ICAC) become unable to pursue matters they should be."

The article says regarding Gladys Berejiklian - Becoming the first woman to be elected as premier in NSW.... wasn't Kristina Keneally the first female NSW Premier?

-Curious

There's been some confusion on this. As a point of clarification, the first woman to hold the position of NSW Premier was Kristina Keneally, who took the role after deposing Nathan Rees in 2009. Unlike Ms Kenneally, however, Gladys Berejiklian was the first woman to have been elected in the state election.

The ABC will be airing a special edition of 7.30 tonight, taking a closer look at today's dramatic events.

University of NSW political expert Mark Rolfe says the leading contender to take over from Ms Berejiklian is Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. 

"He has been featuring prominently in the media with positive news stories. When there was the opening up late last year after the lockdowns, he was featured a lot in the media," Dr Rolfe said.

"So he was obviously pushing for himself as the leading contender to get the publicity." 

Dr Rolfe said he was surprised that Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean had not been floated as he had been a contender in the past. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Stuart Ayres would be an outsider, Mr Rolfe said.

Dr Rolfe said Ms Berejiklian's biggest legacy will be her leadership through the COVID-19 crisis. 

"She has, for the most part, been successful at that," he said.

She will also be remembered for her focus on transport projects, such as the light rail and WestConnex, which she oversaw when she was Transport Minister and Treasurer.

Ms Berejiklian was responsible for introducing the Opal card system.

"Also, she was the first NSW woman Premier to be re-elected in her own right," Dr Rolfe said.