Gladys Berejiklian

Gladys Berejiklian
Gladys Berejiklian
Born	September 22, 1970 (age 56); Manly Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Occupation(s)	Politician, executive
Years active	2003–2021 (politics)
Known for	45th Premier of New South Wales (2017–2021)

Gladys Berejiklian (; born 22 September 1970) is an Australian executive and former political leader who served as the 45th Premier of New South Wales and headed the New South Wales Liberal Party from 2017 until 2021. She now occupies a senior management role at telecommunications firm Optus.

Berejiklian was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 2003, representing the electoral district of Willoughby. Throughout her political career, she held significant ministerial portfolios, including serving as Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations during the second Baird administration, as well as Minister for Transport under the O'Farrell and initial Baird governments. She was deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party from 2014 before ascending to premier after Mike Baird's resignation in January 2017. Berejiklian successfully led her party to victory in the 2019 state election and guided New South Wales through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic during her subsequent term.

In October 2021, Berejiklian declared her resignation from both the premiership and her seat for Willoughby amid an investigation by the ICAC. The inquiry examined whether she violated public trust by not disclosing a clandestine relationship with Daryl Maguire that was pertinent to her ministerial responsibilities, and for failing to report potentially corrupt remarks he made during a separate ICAC probe. She continued as premier until her party elected a new leader on 5 October 2021, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet succeeding her.

In 2023, ICAC concluded that Berejiklian engaged in "serious corrupt conduct" by neglecting to report Maguire’s corrupt statements; however, it did not recommend criminal prosecution since ICAC findings are inadmissible in criminal courts due to procedural safeguards like the right to silence.

Early life

Born at Manly Hospital, Sydney, Berejiklian is the eldest daughter among three siblings in an Armenian family. Her parents, Krikor (1932–2022) and Arsha, were descendants of survivors from the Armenian genocide of 1915. Her father originated from Aleppo, Syria, where other family members still reside, while her mother was born in Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine. Until she was five years old, Berejiklian spoke exclusively Armenian and continues to be fluent, maintaining close connections with the Armenian-Australian community, including participation on the Armenian National Committee of Australia. In 2015, she attended a centennial remembrance event for the Armenian genocide held in Yerevan.

Her education took place at North Ryde High School (later renamed Peter Board High School), a co-educational public institution in North Ryde, New South Wales. Berejiklian was active in Girl Guides Australia and remains a supporter of the organization. Academically, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and a graduate diploma in international studies in 1996 from the University of Sydney, followed by a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of New South Wales in 2001.

Political career (2003–2017)

Berejiklian became a member of the Liberal Party in 1993 and served as president of the New South Wales Young Liberals between 1997 and 1998, marking her as only the third woman to hold this position. Her roles included Delegate to State Council from 1996 to 2003, Urban Representative on the NSW Liberal Party State Executive between 1997 and 2003, Campaign Director for Willoughby in 1999, and Chair of the Convention Committee in 2002. Professionally, she worked alongside politicians such as Peter Collins and Senator Helen Coonan, and held a general manager position focusing on Youth Retail Banking and Government & Industry Affairs at the Commonwealth Bank.

Opposition Years (2003–2011)

After the retirement of former Opposition Leader Peter Collins in 2003, Berejiklian won Liberal preselection for the seat of Willoughby. This electorate has been a stronghold for the Liberal Party since 1927. She encountered a formidable challenge from Pat Reilly, the mayor of the City of Willoughby, and narrowly secured victory by 144 votes despite experiencing a substantial 10.9-point swing against her, largely due to Labor preferences. This reduced the Liberal margin to 7.2 percent—the narrowest since 1984. In the 2007 election rematch, Berejiklian reversed this trend with a significant 14.5-point swing in her favor, reestablishing Willoughby as a safe Liberal seat.

Berejiklian entered the shadow cabinet in 2005 as Shadow Minister for Mental Health and was promoted to Shadow Minister for Transport by Peter Debnam in 2006. After the 2007 election, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell assigned her the shadow portfolio for Citizenship within his Shadow Ministry.

O'Farrell Administration (2011–2014)

Following the state election in 2011, Berejiklian was appointed Minister for Transport on 3 April 2011.

Starting in July 2013, she initiated a major overhaul of the railway system by replacing RailCorp and its CityRail and CountryLink services with two new entities: Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink. Notable projects during her tenure included extending the Inner West Light Rail from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, launching the Opal card ticketing system, beginning construction on the Sydney Metro Northwest, and shutting down the Newcastle railway line segment between Wickham and Newcastle to facilitate development of the Newcastle Light Rail.

Baird Leadership (2014–2017)

Despite enjoying substantial support and backing from former Premier Barry O'Farrell to succeed him as leader, Berejiklian chose not to contest the New South Wales Liberal Party leadership. On 17 April 2014, Mike Baird was elected as party leader and Premier, with Berejiklian appointed as his deputy. Soon after, on 23 April 2014, she took on the role of Minister for the Hunter.

Following the 2015 state election, Berejiklian assumed the positions of Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations during a cabinet reshuffle on 1 April 2015 under Premier Baird. As Treasurer, she oversaw New South Wales’ return to a budget surplus—the first time in over two decades that the state was declared free of debt. Additionally, she spearheaded partial privatisation of the state's electricity network, marking a key economic reform during this period.

Initial Term

After Mike Baird resigned as NSW Liberal leader and Premier on 19 January 2017, Berejiklian declared her intention to succeed him as leader of the Liberal Party and become New South Wales’ 45th Premier. Baird publicly endorsed her candidacy, describing her as "an outstanding Premier." A coalition agreement among moderate, centre-right, and right factions enabled Berejiklian’s ascension to leadership, with conservative Dominic Perrottet selected as deputy. Her main rivals for leadership—ministers Andrew Constance and Rob Stokes—withdrew their bids and supported her instead. Consequently, Berejiklian assumed leadership unopposed on 23 January and was sworn in that day, becoming only the second woman to serve as NSW Premier after Labor’s Kristina Keneally (2009–2011).

In October 2018, Berejiklian authorized advertising for The Everest horse race stakes projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House—a campaign led by broadcaster Alan Jones—which generated significant public backlash; a poll indicated that 80% of respondents opposed this initiative.

Second term

Berejiklian guided the Coalition into the 2019 state election, becoming the third female leader to head a major party in New South Wales. Although polls were closely contested, the Coalition lost six seats but maintained a narrow majority of two, holding 48 seats. This outcome established Berejiklian as the third woman to lead a party to victory in a state election across Australia, and notably, the first woman outside the Labor Party to achieve this.

In September 2019, Berejiklian backed the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, which sought to remove criminal penalties for abortion in New South Wales. She permitted a conscience vote among her party members despite opposition from conservative Liberals Tanya Davies, Matthew Mason-Cox, and Lou Amato. These MPs criticized her handling of the legislation and attempted to delay its expedited passage. They initially proposed a leadership spill against her but withdrew it after negotiating amendments to the bill. The legislation was passed by Parliament on 26 September 2019 and became effective on 2 October 2019.

In October 2020, during an ICAC investigation, Berejiklian disclosed she had been involved in a "close personal relationship" with former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire from 2015 until 2020. Maguire had resigned in 2018 amid accusations of soliciting improper payments. Despite this revelation, Berejiklian survived no-confidence motions in both houses of Parliament.

Although she maintained high approval ratings, Berejiklian encountered criticism over her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales throughout 2021. In June, she resisted calls to impose a lockdown in Sydney as the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant began spreading widely within the community, resulting in over 20,000 cases. Plans to reopen once vaccination rates reached 50% were met with public opposition and subsequently abandoned. Additionally, decisions not to restrict regional or interstate travel contributed to COVID-19 transmission into other Australian states.

The government was also criticized for ambiguous instructions regarding business operations during lockdowns, including whether luxury stores such as Louis Vuitton could continue trading. Following public outcry, an authorised workers list was introduced alongside tighter measures like night curfews in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs). Controversy arose over inconsistent enforcement of restrictions, with allegations that demographic factors influenced decisions more than actual transmission data. Berejiklian faced further criticism for ending daily COVID-19 press conferences even as case numbers and hospitalisations increased.

Resignation

On 1 October 2021, New South Wales' ICAC announced an inquiry into whether Berejiklian had breached public trust or facilitated corrupt conduct during her relationship with Daryl Maguire. In response, she announced her resignation as Premier and from the Legislative Assembly. Despite petitions signed by more than 70,000 supporters urging her to remain in office, she stayed until her treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, was elected party leader and Premier at a party room meeting on 5 October 2021. After stepping down as Premier, Berejiklian concentrated on local matters before formally resigning from the Legislative Assembly on 30 December 2021. A by-election for her Willoughby seat took place on 12 February 2022, with Liberal candidate Tim James emerging victorious.

In December 2021, amid speculation about a potential federal election candidacy, Berejiklian confirmed she would transition into the private sector, seeking a "much less public life."

ICAC report and determination of corrupt conduct

The release of the ICAC report was postponed and did not occur prior to the 2023 state election.

On 29 June 2023, ICAC concluded that Berejiklian had engaged in "serious corrupt conduct," but refrained from recommending criminal prosecution due to challenges in pursuing charges and a low probability of action by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In September 2023, Berejiklian commenced legal proceedings seeking a judicial review of the ICAC findings. Reputation analyst Mark Forbes interpreted this move as an attempt to protect her reputation for prospective business or political ventures. In July 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal, affirming ICAC’s determination of corrupt behaviour.

Coalition

The postponement in publishing the report, combined with McGuire's involvement and the findings themselves, provoked criticism from certain members of the New South Wales Liberal Party who remained supportive of Berejiklian. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman publicly expressed his support during a press briefing.

Additional state Liberal figures defending Berejiklian included James Griffin, Pru Goward, Tim James, Matt Kean, Philip Ruddock, and Natalie Ward.

At the federal level, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton asserted that Berejiklian was "not corrupt," attributing the issue instead to an inappropriate relationship.

The proposed litigation by Berejiklian against ICAC garnered endorsements from federal Nationals leader David Littleproud and Matt Kean.

According to reports, the New South Wales Liberal Party has no plans to expel Berejiklian.

Labor Party

Premier Chris Minns recognized the ICAC report’s conclusions but praised Berejiklian’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis as "excellent." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from making any remarks.

Others

The Greens endorsed the ICAC investigation, highlighting its importance in upholding integrity within the New South Wales Parliament. Federal and state Greens representatives such as Senator Mehreen Faruqi, NSW MP David Shoebridge, and Victorian MP Tim Read voiced these opinions. Tim Read remarked that Victoria’s IBAC might have approached Berejiklian’s situation differently.

Career after politics (2022–present)

In February 2022, Berejiklian accepted a position at telecommunications company Optus as Managing Director, Enterprise, Business and Institutional—a newly established role on their executive board.

Political stance

Berejiklian was aligned with the moderate faction within the Liberal Party and was an advocate for the movement towards an Australian republic.

Personal background

Berejiklian frequently participates in activities associated with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Since June 2021, she has been in a relationship with lawyer Arthur Moses, who represented her during a corruption inquiry connected to her former partner Daryl Maguire.

She is a supporter of the NRL team, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

Representation in popular culture

In September 2018, Sydney-based electronic duo Twisted Melodiez collaborated with Melbourne group N3bula to release "Shut this Down," a track remixing Berejiklian’s 2018 press conference remarks where she pledged to prohibit future Defqon.1 events in New South Wales citing drug-related fatalities and rejected calls for pill testing in the state.

The musical production Gladys: A Musical Affair, penned by Nick Rheinberger and featuring Tia Wilson portraying "Ms Perfect," debuted successfully at the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival and was slated for performances at the civic theatre in Wagga Wagga in June of the following year.

External links