The Times Australia
The Times News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

How ICAC revelations hurt Berejiklian's 'school captain' image

  • Written by The Conversation

“Blindsided” is a word originally derived from American football and means to be hit from a totally unexpected quarter by shocking information. Unsurprisingly, it’s a word used often with the flashy US president, Donald Trump[1].

Until this week[2], it was not a word the people of New South Wales associated with the modest, determined and workaholic Gladys Berejiklian[3]. This is the premier who has enjoyed a public approval[4] rating of between 59% and 70% for her handling of coronavirus.

‘Close personal relationship’

In an appearance before the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Monday, Berejiklian admitted to a “close personal relationship[5]” with Daryl Maguire[6], the former Liberal member for Wagga Wagga who resigned[7] from NSW Parliament in 2018.

Daryl Williams leaving an ICAC hearing in 2018. Former Wagga MP Daryl Williams appeared also before ICAC in 2018. Erik Anderson/AAP

Two years ago, he was targeted by ICAC for allegations he was using his public office for personal gain through commissions for Sydney property projects[8]. Since then, we have found out he may have been involved in a “cash for visas[9]” scheme.

Read more: Gladys Berejiklian determined to tough out scandal of secret relationship with disgraced former MP[10]

This was the person the premier had a “close personal relationship” with for five years until recently[11]. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said what many were thinking when he told Channel Nine[12]:

She’s a smart lady who I think has been punching below her weight with perhaps a much more average guy.

A lightening strike

So, what transpired on Monday was like a lightning strike from a clear blue sky. This jolted people to hurried conclusions, including calls from NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay for the premier’s resignation[13] to predictions[14] her political future was doomed[15].

how ICAC revelations hurt Berejiklian's 'school captain' image Gladys Berejiklian game evidence during the ICAC hearing into Daryl Maguire on Monday. Supplied/ICAC

Unless something more eventuates from the ICAC hearings — which will continue this week — we haven’t heard evidence of Berejiklian using her public position for some private gain.

At this stage, she is guilty of bad political judgement and bad personal judgement, the latter of which she shares with the rest of us on occasions.

Brand Gladys

The damage at this point is to her hitherto squeaky clean reputation. Berejiklian’s story had always been about hard work, as well as her immigrant family history[16].

We got some indication of her drive from a 2019 interview, when she spoke of her twin sister, who didn’t survive birth:

It was just luck that I came out first. Imagine if you had a twin; you came out first, they didn’t make it, I feel like I’ve got to justify my existence by sacrificing. So I don’t care if I’m not happy all the time. I feel like I’ve got to work hard.

Until this week, the premier has always been an intensely private person who even talked in media interviews[17] of her dedication to a political career that came at the expense of a personal life and marriage. All fair enough.

Quick verdicts

However, the sudden revelations have catapulted many to quick verdicts about Berejiklian’s career prospects, while bringing out the armchair psychologist in us all.

We wonder about the secret life of this 50-year-old woman, who retains the air[18] of the captain that she was at high school in North Ryde. She told no one about this relationship, not even her own, very close family.

So, this can’t help but make us ask: what other information is she not sharing?

Support from colleagues

At the moment, Berejiklian is being supported by her colleagues. As a member of the moderate faction, she is possibly under threat from the right of the party, but importantly, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet[19] was by her side on Monday.

how ICAC revelations hurt Berejiklian's 'school captain' image The NSW Premier will continue to face questions over her relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire. Dan Himbrechts/ AAP

This conservative faction leader backed the premier continuing in her job and with good reason. Any undermining of her leadership would threaten the current factional peace[20], publicly confirm there was something amiss with Berejiklian, and give the public the impression that the bad old days are back with revolving door premiers[21].

And all in the middle of a pandemic.

Read more: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian avoids a spill but remains in troubled waters[22]

On Tuesday, Berejiklian apologised[23] to the party room. So far, the public criticism is limited to MPs such as conservative backbencher, Matthew Mason-Cox[24], who has form as a rogue operator[25].

But Berjiklian’s image will not be same again

So, it gets back to Brand Gladys.

Until ICAC finds something more about her, she should survive this episode with the backing of her party, unless another surprise eventuates in the future.

But her rather perfect public image will never be the same.

References

  1. ^ Donald Trump (apnews.com)
  2. ^ this week (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ Gladys Berejiklian (www.smh.com.au)
  4. ^ approval (www.theguardian.com)
  5. ^ close personal relationship (www.abc.net.au)
  6. ^ Daryl Maguire (www.abc.net.au)
  7. ^ resigned (www.abc.net.au)
  8. ^ property projects (www.smh.com.au)
  9. ^ cash for visas (www.abc.net.au)
  10. ^ Gladys Berejiklian determined to tough out scandal of secret relationship with disgraced former MP (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ recently (www.smh.com.au)
  12. ^ told Channel Nine (www.news.com.au)
  13. ^ premier’s resignation (www.abc.net.au)
  14. ^ predictions (www.abc.net.au)
  15. ^ doomed (www.skynews.com.au)
  16. ^ history (www.theaustralian.com.au)
  17. ^ interviews (www.nowtolove.com.au)
  18. ^ retains the air (www.smh.com.au)
  19. ^ Treasurer Dominic Perrottet (www.youtube.com)
  20. ^ factional peace (www.smh.com.au)
  21. ^ revolving door premiers (www.abc.net.au)
  22. ^ NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian avoids a spill but remains in troubled waters (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ apologised (www.theguardian.com)
  24. ^ Matthew Mason-Cox (www.smh.com.au)
  25. ^ rogue operator (www.smh.com.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/brand-gladys-how-icac-revelations-hurt-berejiklians-school-captain-image-147986

The Times Features

Exploring Hybrid Heating Systems for Modern Homes

Consequently, energy efficiency as well as sustainability are two major considerations prevalent in the current market for homeowners and businesses alike. Hence, integrated heat...

Are Dental Implants Right for You? Here’s What to Think About

Dental implants are now among the top solutions for those seeking to replace and improve their teeth. But are dental implants suitable for you? Here you will find out more about ...

Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right pair

Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels[1] of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we tend to focus on avoiding UV damage to our skin, it’s impor...

How to Style the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 - Mocha Mousse

The Pantone Color of the Year never fails to set the tone for the coming year's design, fashion, and lifestyle trends. For 2025, Pantone has unveiled “Mocha Mousse,” a rich a...

How the Aussie summer has a profound effect on 'Climate Cravings’

Weather whiplash describes the rollercoaster-like shifts in weather we’ve experienced this summer —a blazing hot day one moment, followed by an unexpectedly chilly or rainy tur...

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians

Australians are now one step closer to being able to check that their heart is in working condition with a simple blood test. Leading scientists at the Heart Research Institu...

Times Magazine

Aussies are juggling jobs and starting quirky businesses to make extra cash

Brand new research* has revealed 67 per cent of workers aged 18-24 in Australia want the opportunity to work overtime or extra shifts in efforts to increase their take-home pay to help with current costs of living. Whether it’s a photography gig ...

Benefits of building in timber frame

If you have a plan to do a home construction project, choose a solid and reliable timber frame for your best bet. A timber frame uses wood studs and rails with a sheathing board to create structural support for the uninitiated. But the myth is th...

The Evolution of Digital Marketing: Trends and Innovations.

In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. As we navigate through the ever-evolving digital ecosystem, it's crucial to understand the...

Designing for Accessibility: How Toilet Signs Can Promote Inclusivity

Toilet signs are a crucial aspect of any public facility or establishment. They play an important role in guiding individuals to the appropriate restroom while ensuring that everyone feels safe and comfortable while using the facilities. Toilet sig...

Considerations When Deciding on JC Tuition

As a crucial aspect of the academic journey of many students in Singapore, JC tuition plays a vital role in helping them achieve their educational goals and fulfil their academic interests. Junior College education is a financial investment that pr...

The Montessori Preschools' Innovative Method

Montessori preschools provide an alternative to conventional pre-kindergarten environments. Developed by Dr Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, this distinct educational approach emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a ch...

LayBy Shopping