Political Updates 1 October 2021

01 October 2021

NSW Political Update

Gladys Berejiklian has today announced that she will resign as Premier.

The resignation will take effect as soon as the NSW Liberal Party is able to elect a new leader. The Premier also indicated she will resign from Parliament as soon as possible, based on advice from the NSW Electoral Commission about the potential to hold a by-election in Willoughby.

This announcement followed a statement issued by Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that the Premier has been investigated in relation to her conduct between 2012 and 2018.

The Premier insisted she is confident that she has always acted with integrity. However, she noted her previous insistence that any person being investigated by an integrity agency or by law enforcement should stand aside. Given the uncertainty for the resolution of the investigation into her and the need for leadership during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Premier indicated she does not believe standing aside temporarily is a viable solution for her and thus has chosen to resign.

Federal Political Update

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has today announced a series of changes to the Australian Cabinet and Ministry:

NSW based Hon Angus Taylor MP will take on the additional responsibility of Industry, becoming the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction.
WA based Hon Melissa Price MP will take on additional responsibility of Minister for Science and Technology, in addition to her responsibilities as Minister for Defence Industry.
NSW based Hon Alex Hawke MP will be promoted to Cabinet, and will retain his existing responsibilities as Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs.
WA based Hon Ben Morton MP, will be joining the Ministry as Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister.
Victorian based Tim Wilson MP, will take on Assistant Minister Assisting the Minister for Energy, Industry and Emissions Reduction.

The Prime Minister has also released his plans to permit international travel over the coming weeks. This announcement includes some details about changes to quarantine arrangements for Australians returning from overseas.