Gladys Berejiklian denied rumours that she was considering a major comeback to politics in her first broadcast interview since stepping down as NSW Premier, saying she had “no interest” in doing so.
The former state leader who guided NSW through the Covid epidemic and the Black Summer bushfires was forced to resign in October of last year after being engaged in a corruption investigation involving her ex-boyfriend, MP Daryl Maguire.
She has held the job of managing director of enterprise, business, and institution at telecommunications giant Optus since October after leaving her political career behind.
In an open conversation that will run on Sunday, Ms. Berejiklian sat down with Ross Greenwood, a business reporter for Sky News, and Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, CEO of Optus.
There is a lot of talk about you going back into politics at some point, Greenwood remarked.
The former premier said, “I’ve previously declared I’ve had no interest in anything whatsoever.”
I’m happy of what I’ve accomplished and I surpassed my goals for what I intended to do in public life, but now that it is in the past, Ms. Berejiklian said.
Greenwood then asked her what she thought about the “pathways” politicians “should pursue” after leaving office.
Before discussing her future with Optus, Ms. Berejiklian stated she “can’t speak for what other people decide” and can only speak for herself.
The Sky News reporter inquired one more time, “And you sure you can’t be persuaded back into politics at some point?
The former leader instantly said, “A million percent.”
She was investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption to see whether she had violated the public’s trust by participating in the distribution of two government grants in Mr. Macguire’s electoral district.
Documents reveal that Ms. Berejiklian expressed “interest” in a planned $5.5 million grant for a shooting association clubhouse and conference centre in the area of her hidden boyfriend in August of last year.
Before acknowledging his involvement in a cash-for-visa scam and his desire for covert rewards for arranging real estate transactions, Mr. Maguire had already been accused of misusing his position of authority.
However, the former premier insists she did nothing wrong.
The results of the hearing from late last year have not yet been released by ICAC.