Gladys Berejiklian has ‘no interest whatsoever’ in returning to politics
Former New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has affirmed her intentions that her future will have nothing to do with politics.
Berejiklian landed the role of Managing Director of Enterprise, Business and Institutional with Optus after she was forced to resign following a corruption investigation in October 2021.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns amid probe by anti-corruption watchdog https://t.co/LaPZE5VZDT
— Tim Hatfield (@timhatfield87) October 1, 2021
Speaking to Sky News, Berejiklian said she is “one million per cent” sure that she wants to continue her career in the private sector.
“I have already said I have no interest in that (politics) whatsoever,” Berejiklian said.
“I exceeded my expectations as to what I would achieve in public life, that’s behind me.
“I’m proud of what I’ve done but I’m looking forward to the future and I’m so grateful that Optus has welcomed me the way that they have.”
Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said Berejiklian’s management through the pandemic led to the decision to bring the former Premier on board.
“For us, it was a really wonderful opportunity to hire someone who has a lot of integrity, great work ethic, who gained the respect of everyone in NSW and managed through the pandemic in an exemplary way,” she said.
“We’ve brought in Gladys to look after our business and enterprise teams – it’s a part of the market where despite many years of trying the incumbents still hold a very significant market share and so we need to shake it up and think differently, bring in someone smart with a fresh perspective.
“We have of course considered all the issues and decided the public is smart enough to be able to know what Gladys does at the office and separate that from her time before politics.”
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) began a probe into Berejiklian’s relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire and whether their involvement swayed the allocation of community grants.
Tapped phone calls between the pair revealed Berejiklian had agreed to give grants to Maguire’s seat in Wagga.
“I’ll throw money at Wagga, don’t you worry about that,” one bugged phone call revealed Berejiklian said to Maguire.
During her resignation announcement, Berejiklian said, “The people of this state need certainty as to who their leader is during the 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 called to give evidence at a public hearing nearly twelve months ago,” she continued.
“Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign from the office of premier … My resignation will take effect once the NSW Liberal Party can elect a new leader.”
The corruption probe into Berejiklian’s conduct remains ongoing.
Explore More
Book Confidently With Us
Pay safely with us
Proudly Australian owned and operated