Gladys Berejiklian has been spotted out and about after landing a new job at telco giant Optus following her shock resignation as NSW Premier.
The 51-year-old was seen driving out of her Northbridge home in Sydney’s Lower North Shore on Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day it was revealed she will join Optus in the newly-created role of Managing Director of Enterprise, Business and Institutional.
‘I am excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding customer service,’ she said in an official Optus statement.
Ms Berejiklian was seen smiling through her car window as she left her home amid some wet weather on Friday.
Gladys Berejiklian has been spotted out and about after landing a new job at telco giant Optus following her shock resignation as NSW Premier
The 51-year-old was seen driving out of her Northbridge home in Sydney’s Lower North Shore on Friday afternoon
The former NSW Premier will now join Optus in the newly-created role of Managing Director of Enterprise, Business and Institutional
Security cameras that were once fitted on a telegraph pole near the former premier’s home have now noticeably been removed.
Upon taking the new gig, it’s unclear how much Ms Berejiklian will be making, but it will likely rival the $200,000 a year in superannuation she is set to receive when she turns 55.
Ms Berejiklian can also take out that parliamentary super – which she earned during her time as a state MP and premier – as a $2million lump sum.
In October, she stepped down as NSW leader over an ICAC corruption probe into her doomed relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire.
The move will come as a surprise to those who tipped her to follow in the footsteps of previous premiers and start a new role at the ‘millionaire factory’ – Macquarie Bank.
Upon taking the new gig, it’s unclear how much Ms Berejiklian (pictured in November) will be making, but it will likely rival the $200,000 a year in superannuation she is set to receive when she turns 55.
Security cameras that were once on a telegraph pole near the former premier’s home have now noticeably been removed
Locals in Ms Berejiklian’s powerbase on Sydney’s north shore had said she was ready to start a new job at Macquarie and follow the career path of previous ex-NSW premiers, Bob Carr and Mike Baird.
The decision proved to be financially lucrative for both men.
Baird moved into finance with NAB in 2017 after stepping aside as NSW premier and was paid a reported $500,000 to work in their investment division.
At the time, Baird said he was quitting politics for good to spend more time with his family.
Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said Ms Berejiklian’s hiring was a ‘game-changer’ for the telecommunications brand.
‘Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline, and composure in successfully guiding Australia’s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history,’ Ms Rosmarin said.
‘She also builds and fosters loyal and dedicated teams who really go above and beyond for her.’
Ms Berejiklian was the NSW Premier from January of 2017 until October 1 last year, when she resigned in sensational circumstances.
Ms Berejiklian enjoys a shopping trip in Sydney on Sunday with her boyfriend Arthur Moses after her resignation in November
It followed ICAC announcing an investigation into whether Ms Berejiklian had breached public trust or encouraged corrupt behaviour during her relationship with Mr Maguire.
The findings are yet to be released, with submissions due by February 15.
Last year’s inquiry heard from public servants and MPs over two weeks, with many saying Ms Berejiklian should have disclosed her relationship with Maguire to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Ms Berejiklian, 51, pictured outside Parliament House in September. She will join Optus in the newly-created role of Managing Director of Enterprise and Business
Ms Berejiklian defended her decision to keep the relationship a secret, saying it wasn’t of ‘sufficient status’.
This was despite later admitting the pair loved each other, had contemplated marriage and discussed having a child.
In December, Ms Berejiklian ruled out a return to politics amid talk she was going to run for Tony Abbott’s former federal seat of Warringah, despite public encouragement from the prime minister.
Last week, she was again in the spotlight after a leaked text exchange in which she allegedly branded Scott Morrison a ‘horrible, horrible’ person and was ‘more concerned with politics than people.’
Ms Berejiklian stepped down as NSW leader over an ICAC corruption probe into her doomed relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire
In the text exchange, leaked to Ten News political editor Peter van Onselen, the mystery Cabinet minister also branded the PM a ‘fraud’ and a ‘complete psycho’.
Ms Berejiklian later stated she had ‘no recollection’ of the explosive text messages.
‘Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times,’ she said.
‘I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.’
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