The deputy Premier of New South Wales, John Barilaro has resigned from his position
#BREAKING Deputy Premier of New South Wales, John Barilaro has resigned from his position pic.twitter.com/3FOx3xbDIA
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) October 3, 2021
This of course all follows Premier Gladys Berejiklian stepping down last week amid the state’s anti-corruption body launching an investigation into her.
In a statement, Barilaro says “we must embrace this time as a new beginning for our State, and welcome the opportunity it presents for a refresh”
Continuing adding, “I have decided now is the right time for me to hand the reins over to new leadership, and resign as Deputy Premier of NSW
New South Wales will now have an entire news leadership team.. with current treasurer Dominic Perrottet being selected as the next Premier.
Meanwhile, Barilaro says the state’s emergence from lockdown is the perfect chance for a “refresh”.
Barlilaro fronts media and calls out Google
Barilaro fought back tears as he told reporters public life had “taken a toll”.
#BREAKING "The defamation case definitely playing a big part in this" NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro on standing down following Gladys Berejiklian's resignation pic.twitter.com/JYyzaCmXTz
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) October 3, 2021
“It is tough on anybody in public life to continue in this role, especially under so much scrutiny, especially media scrutiny,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Ten and a half years is a long time in politics. Five years is a very long time as Deputy Premier, I’ve taken it seriously and given everything I possibly could have.”
#BREAKING "The defamation case definitely playing a big part in this" NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro on standing down following Gladys Berejiklian's resignation pic.twitter.com/JYyzaCmXTz
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) October 3, 2021
Barilaro, who was born in Queanbeyan to Italian migrant parents, said his focus was to make regional NSW a better place to live and work.
However, he said comments online have “made it very difficult” for him during his time in office, due to the “disgusting, vile, racist commentary” and feels for people who are victimised on social media.
“That’s why I’m calling out google today,” he told reporters.
“It’s made it very very difficult for me. When you get online, the abuse you cop, started by disgusting, vile, racist commentary… hidden by journalism or comedy.”
