Berejiklian victim of ‘brutal’ politics: Barnaby
Barnaby Joyce has responded to the shock resignation of Gladys Berejiklian and delivered a blunt assessment of Australian politics.
Barnaby Joyce has responded to the shock resignation of Gladys Berejiklian and reflected on the “brutal” nature of Australian politics.
Mr Joyce lauded the fallen premier for her decency and the “exceptional job” she had done leading NSW.
“Politics is a brutal profession and today has been especially hard for the Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian,” the deputy prime minister said.
Leaders from across the nation lined up to pay tribute to Ms Berejiklian, who resigned on Friday ahead of an ICAC corruption inquiry.
“It is very sad to lose such an outstanding individual, whose decency has been evident since she was first elected to the seat of Willoughby,” Mr Joyce said.
“There are many reasons for her resignation, but one of the most prominent is to clear the air for her colleagues.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Ms Berejiklian as a “dear friend” who over the pandemic had displayed “heroic qualities”.
Mr Morrison, who held a press conference at the same time as the premier, said he was not informed of her decision ahead of time.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. She has displayed heroic qualities – heroic qualities as the premier of NSW,” he said.
“I’ve always found Gladys to be a person of the highest integrity. She has been a trusted friend and a very respected colleague.”
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull took to Twitter to thank Ms Berejiklian for her “bravery” as premier.
“We have lost one of our best Premiers today. Gladys has been a dedicated reformer and dynamic builder,” he said.
“She led the state bravely and tirelessly through the bushfires and the pandemic. Thank you Gladys.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese seized on her resignation as an opportunity to call out the government for its delays in establishing an ICAC at a federal level.
“Rules are for everyone and the premier has made the right decision on what would be a very difficult day for her, personally,” Mr Albanese said.
“Mr Morrison refuses to apply the same set of integrity that Gladys Berejiklian applied to herself today. It is now more than 1000 days since Scott Morrison promised to have a national anti-corruption body.”
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