Gladys Berejiklian makes first public appearance since resigning
Gladys Berejiklian has thanked everyone for their support in her first public appearance since resigning as premier on Friday.
Media greeted Ms Berejiklian as she arrived at her Willoughby electorate office on Wednesday, picking up some of the many bunches of flowers and cards left outside her office by supporters.
"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone, it has been an enormous comfort to know how people care, and I want everyone to get behind Premier Perrottet, I know he will be an outstanding leader," she said.
"Follow the premier's words and make sure we come out of this lockdown as safely as possible."
Dominic Perrottet was sworn in as the new NSW Premier on Tuesday after winning the Liberal leadership in a party-room vote.
It was announced on Wednesday Paul Toole will be the next NSW deputy premier after being elected as the new NSW Nationals leader in a party ballot.
When asked if she should have remained in her role, Ms Berejiklian said: "I want everyone to know that I will read every single card, every single message."
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Ms Berejiklian quit last week — just days before a huge turning point in NSW’s freedom roadmap — after the state's corruption watchdog disclosed she was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust given her secret five-year relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.
Ms Berejiklian will be questioned by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over grants awarded to community organisations in electorates Mr Maguire represented at the time.
While announcing her resignation, a teary and frustrated Ms Berejiklian said she had "no option" other than to leave, but continues to deny any wrongdoing.
She will leave NSW parliament once a by-election can be held for her seat.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "very sad" to see his Liberal colleague step down from the top job in NSW politics.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews was asked by media on Wednesday if he believed Ms Berejiklian did the right thing by stepping down.
"She is someone of integrity in my experience," he said while implying that she is the only one who knows if she did the right thing or not.
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