But his assertions about the ICAC need to be examined. There have been no “shameful attacks” on Berejiklian by the NSW ICAC,as he claimed. It has initiated an inquiry into whether:
- Berejiklian breached public trust because of a conflict of interest;
- her conduct in relation to decisions about funding grants was dishonest;
- she breached public trust by failing to report matters to the ICAC;and
- her conduct could have allowed or encouraged corrupt behaviour by former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
The ICAC has a legal duty to inquire into such matters once grounds are demonstrated. It does not have a choice to ignore or defer for consideration matters that go to the integrity of government and ministerial standards,regardless of the immediate political consequences.
There is nothing shameful in that – quite the contrary. Nothing “done to” Berejiklian was a disgrace – she is a witness in the investigation and has been treated appropriately.
The ICAC has not sought to “publicly humiliate” Berejiklian,as Morrison claimed. She has been asked relevant questions and treated with all due respect. The matters on which she has been questioned are directly relevant to the issues before the Commission. The ICAC’s powers have not been abused and if Berejiklian’s integrity has been damaged,that is a consequence of her answers.
There was no abuse of process. Surely a “kangaroo court” would have jumped to a conclusion on the spot,without proper grounds,rather than now taking the time to assess the evidence and reach reasoned conclusions. Berejiklian was not “chased out of office” by the ICAC or anyone else – she chose to resign after private hearings;well knowing,or at least suspecting,what was to come.