Scott Morrison has lauded the “heroic” qualities of former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian who has resigned after the launch of a corruption investigation into her.
The prime minister paid tribute to Ms Berejiklian on Friday as the pair gave simultaneous news conferences.
“Gladys is a dear friend of mine. We’ve known each other for a long time,” Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra.
“She has displayed heroic qualities, heroic qualities as the premier of NSW.”
He said she had been trusted and respected by the people of NSW.
“I find her to be a person of integrity, and a person that works hard for her state.”
Mr Morrison said he would continue to work closely with the next premier after reeling off a list of senior state ministers the federal government had collaborated with on pandemic issues.
“I would expect nothing other than an absolute continuity of the pace and the leadership that we’ve seen from NSW.”
Ms Berejiklian has resigned as state Liberal leader and will leave parliament when a by-election can be held.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating whether she breached public trust in awarding grants to several community organisations between 2012 and 2018.
It relates to Ms Berejiklian’s relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said there were many reasons for her resignation but creating clear air for her colleagues was one of the most prominent.
“Politics is a brutal profession and today has been especially hard for the premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian,” he said.
“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.”
The Nationals leader said Ms Berejiklian had done an exceptional job.
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said Ms Berejiklian had higher integrity standards than the prime minister.
“It is now more than 1000 days since Scott Morrison promised to have a national anti-corruption body,” he said.
“Well tick tock, Mr Morrison. We need a national anti-corruption commission, one with teeth, one that operates independently of government, is able to conduct its own inquiries.”
Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews said he wouldn’t run a commentary on the situation but noted his close working relationship with her.
“I find her to be a person of integrity and a person that works hard for her state and has been a very important partner for us,” he said.
Former federal treasurer and NSW MP Joe Hockey said the resignation was an “absolute tragedy”.
“She has been the best political leader Australia has seen in years, taking the state through drought, bushfires and COVID,” he tweeted.
“ICAC again pulls down a fine premier for something other than corruption.”
AAP
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