New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, resigned her post on Friday after an investigation was launched over her alleged involvement in activities that constituted a "breach of public trust."
The resignation of the head of Australia's biggest state in terms of economic output also comes as it battles its largest COVID-19 outbreak since the pandemic began. New South Wales' new COVID-19 cases are now second to the figures being reported in neighboring Victoria.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption launched an investigation into Berejiklian over alleged activities that allegedly were in conflict with her public duties and her private interests. This includes her personal relationship with NSW MP Daryl Maguire.
ICAC alleged that Berejiklian may have been involved in the granting of funds to groups within Maguire's electorate of Wagga Wagga. Berejiklian has also been accused of being complacent in Maguire's corruption. ICAC said on its website that it will be holding public hearings as part of its ongoing investigation against Berejiklian.
Last year, Maguire admitted to an ICAC inquiry that his office had received envelopes full of cash, which were part of a scheme that illegally granted Chinese nationals visas. Maguire had also been accused of using his position for financial gain when he was the chairman of the parliament's Asia Pacific Friendship Group.
Berejiklian, who became premier in 2017, is the second NSW premier to resign following an ICAC investigation. The first to do so was NSW leader Barry O'Farrell, who resigned his post in 2014. Berejiklian has deigned any wrongdoing.
"I state categorically I have always acted with the highest level of integrity," Berejiklian said.
Berejiklian said her resignation and the investigation could not have come at a worse time with the state still struggling to control the spread of the coronavirus. She said the ICAC's decision to launch an investigation is out of her control.
"The ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks, the most challenging times in the state's history," Berejiklian said.
Berejiklian has been the face of the state's fight against COVID-19. She has been appearing in conferences on almost a daily basis to update the public on the latest infections rates, deaths, and restrictions. Over the past week, the infection rate in the state has begun to fall as almost 70% of its residents are now fully vaccinated.
