For the first time since abandoning politics, Gladys Berejikilan has returned to Twitter after an eight-month absence.
Since abruptly resigning as state leader in October of last year due to a corruption investigation, the former premier of New South Wales who is now a corporate executive has been quiet on social media.
To comment on a proposed network-sharing agreement between telecom rivals TPG and Telstra, she returned to Twitter on Thursday in her new position as Optus Managing Director of Enterprise, Business, and Institutional.
It was her first tweet since October 1 of last year, when she was forced to resign as premier of NSW after ICAC revealed an investigation into her ill-fated relationship with disgraced former MP Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire.
“At Optus, our customers come first.” According to Ms. Berejiklian’s tweet, the proposed Telstra/TPG merger would be a step backward for millions of Australians.
The tweet also contained a link to Optus’ letter, which was posted on its website as part of that company’s request that the proposal be rejected. Berejiklian penned a letter.
Customers will face fewer options and higher prices if this merger is approved, according to the statement.
If there is no alternative communications system, communities will also be more vulnerable during natural disasters.
Having personally witnessed the devastating effects of floods and fires on the state while serving in her previous position, she added that regional areas needed more communications infrastructure.
The proposed Telstra/TPG network merger is “a very large step backward,” Ms. Berejiklian wrote. “Our regions need more telecommunications investment, better connection, and enhanced services.”
“We must keep supplying regional businesses with the aggressive communications that support further advancements, inventiveness, and expansion. Better connectivity won’t just benefit regional Australia; as more areas of the economy grow, so does Australia as a whole.
Throughout NSW’s horrifying Delta epidemic and the Sydney lockdown last year, Ms. Berejikilian, 51, faced the media every day for several months.
Days before the end of the lockdown, the former premier abruptly resigned from her position as premier after the ICAC announced an investigation into whether she had violated public trust or supported corruption while dating disgraced former MP Mr. Maguire.
The timing of Ms. Berejiklian’s departure as premier, she admitted, “could not have come at a worse moment, but the timing is absolutely outside of my control, as the ICAC has decided to take this action during the most critical weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW.”
“Resigning at this moment is something I do not want to do and goes against every instinct I have.”
Although I enjoy my work and helping the community, I am at a loss for what to do now that the statement has been made.
The ICAC has not yet released the results of the hearing from late last year.
Prior to entering the corporate world in February, Ms. Berejiklian spent recent months out of the public eye and turned down offers to run for federal office.