“ICAC Gatekeeping & Gaslighting The GirlBoss!” The Media Reacts To Gladys’ Resignation
Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation as Premier of New South Wales has divided Australian journalists and media personalities and sent Twitter into overdrive.
Twitter lit up like a Christmas tree after Berejiklian announced her resignation with media personalities and journalists weighing in and in-fighting. Some argued it was a feminist issue, others argued it was fair, and many showed their support for the ex-premier, seemingly dismissing the claims of potential corruption.
While it’s nothing new for people to disagree about politics, Berkiljlian’s resignation hit a chord, and not just the usual suspects commented on her stepping down. Perhaps it’s partly because she’s a woman and now, depressingly, a sea of men will fight to replace Berejiklian. Her resignation hit social media hard, with many expressing their love for her.
My 8yo just asked if boys can be premiers. Thank you so much @GladysB for making that a question a kid in NSW has to ask. You will always be a role model to so many young women, and men (even if they don’t realise it!)
— Daisy Turnbull (@ms_dzt) October 1, 2021
Berejiklian stepped down as Premier last Friday in light of the Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announcing it was investigating her, over her relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire.
Berejiklian, of course, became a daily fixture in NSW residents’ lives, because of the pandemic. Berejiklian gave daily COVID-19 updates at 11 am and arguably became a figure of comfort in uncertain times, constantly promising a return to normalcy.
Naturally, the politician also became the inspiration for endless memes, TikToks and Tweets.
@sambozzz Press conf thoughts #lockdown #sydneylockdown #gladys #fyp #nsw
While no politician has survived the pandemic without being criticised, Berejiklian remained relatively well favoured throughout, even Rupert Murdoch seemed to be a fan. At least the coverage by his newspapers would suggest that.
According to news.com.au, data from Newspoll found that in July 2020, 68 per cent of respondents said she did fairly or very well, in her handling of the pandemic. However, by September this year, that percentage had taken a dive with only 56 per cent of respondents happy with her leadership.
Still, it was a shock when she resigned on Friday.
Berejiklian said: “Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my body.
“I love my job, and I love serving the community but I have been given no option following the statement that’s been issued today.”
Arguably, what was more interesting was how her resignation divided the media online. While many kept a neutral approach, others openly shared their disappointment that Berejiklian had been forced to resign, which created a buzz on Twitter.
Everyone from actor Russell Crowe to respected ABC reporter Louise Milligan weighed in.
ICAC gatekeeping and gaslighting the girlboss 😔
— Patrick Lenton (@PatrickLenton) October 1, 2021
It’s surprising when journalists (or news presenters) seem to think an anti-corruption commission is a pesky irritation ruining everything. Or calling for enforcement of parliamentary disclosure rules – preventing corruption/bought favours – is mob rule. @barriecassidy spot on.
— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) October 1, 2021
It’s so weird. So much of the coverage is written as if she’s been struck down by an illness rather than named by an anti-corruption agency.
— Jeff Sparrow (@Jeff_Sparrow) October 1, 2021
Personally, I’d like to thank @GladysB for her tireless work through a very difficult time. What a tough job. Thanks for the effort you expended & the stress you endured. You led from the front. With perspective, history will define your tenure kindly.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 1, 2021
It’s possible to think the allegations and evidence against Gladys Berejiklian is damning while also noting that male politicians are rarely, if ever, held to the same standard, right?
Like nuance exists, right? #GladysBerejiklian #AusPol
— Tarang / तरंग (@tarang_chawla) October 2, 2021
Secondly, popular politics is facile.
Gladys Berejiklian was immensely likeable with her "shout outs" and funny memes.
But when you love someone blindly, you can't see the full picture.#insiders
— Jason Om (@jason_om) October 2, 2021
Perhaps the best thing would have been for the Premier @GladysB to temporarily step aside and let the evidence before #ICAC fall where it may. Having heard the evidence, the voting public could then decide. Seems some in her own govt didn't want that & were leaking against her. https://t.co/LP1GN4zsz8
— Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) October 4, 2021
For every corrupt politician ICAC has exposed, there’s another innocent victim whose career has been destroyed.
ICAC’s conduct is at times unlawful and vindictive.
You can’t have a corruption watchdog with such extraordinary powers that acts like this. https://t.co/1Rsl9Lqgi4— Sharri Markson (@SharriMarkson) October 3, 2021
Perhaps, most interestingly, many Twitter users drew a very long bow between Christian Porter still being in parliament, while Berejiklian in her own words, “Given, no option.” A tweet went viral making that comparison.
Gladys Berejiklian has resigned. Christian Porter remains in federal parliament.
I can’t help but feel there’s one standard for male leaders and a separate one for women. #AusPol
— Tarang / तरंग (@tarang_chawla) October 1, 2021
The feminist commenter, Clementine Ford also weighed in on her Instagram, the post received over 100,000 thousand views.
Ford said: “In my view, there are feminist aspects to the issue, and to the resignation, but I don’t feel like saying goodbye to a woman in power, if that woman exercises bad policies is a bad thing.”
It wasn’t just individuals that weighed in, Publication, Mamamia, even expressed sadness that Berejiklian was leaving. On Instagram, Mamamia wrote, “We’ll miss you, Gladys.”
No matter what way you see it, losing a Premier during a time of crisis, isn’t exactly the comforting news Aussies need right now.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Gladys BerejiklianLatest News
TV Ratings (18/04/2024): I’m A Celebrity Wins Prime Time And Key Demos
Aussie viewers can be a harsh lot at times. Only days after Ellie Cole bled her heart out, she has been sent packing.
Effie&co Launches New ConnectAsia Division To Help Aussie Brands Market To Asian Consumers Overseas & At Home
Not provided is advice on using chopsticks and not spilling ramen down your shirt.
Cashrewards Sets Out Stall For New CMO
Thinking of applying for the Cashrewards CMO gig? Here are some insider tips that, yes, are tantamount to cheating.
‘I Ask For The TV Industry To Stand Up And Defend Itself’ – Seven Boss James Warburton Steps Down
The Seven supremo heads for the exits after five years. Here's hoping the Spotlight team organised the farewell bash.
Poh! Jamie! Adriano! Paramount ANZ reveals its tasty plans for this year’s MasterChef
It's your fan's guide to this year's MasterChef! Although no tips on how to pronounce crudités or use a un fait-tout.
Dentsu’s iProspect Partners With MOOD Tea Ahead Of May Campaign Launch
We love a Mood Tea here at B&T. Although we do store old screws and nails in the International Roast caterer's tin.
Opinion: When Culture Starts Eating Itself: Navigating The Age Of Self-eating Nostalgia
Born boss David Coupland asks is adland going through a nostalgia period? But please, no repeats of Best Of Red Faces.
Who’s Going To Cannes?! The TikTok Young Lions Winners!
It's Aussie adland's next gen! They're off to Cannes with high hopes of bringing back a Lion & a foot-long Toblerone.
Adobe Launches Express Mobile App With Firefly AI
Want to be the coolest kid at Friday staff drinks but forgot your retro Nikes? This new Adobe wizardry may do the trick.
ThinkNewsBrands & IMAA Extend News Publishing Education In Brisbane
Industry duo takes its publishing roadshow to Brisbane. Was disappointed no male attendees were wearing walk socks.
B&T Chats With Wavemaker’s Provocative Pioneers On Their Cross-Pacific Sojourn
B&T TV heads to Wavemaker's Sydney digs to interview two staffers from its New York & LA digs. If that makes sense?
HoMie & Champion Launch “Give One. Get One” Campaign Supporting Youth Homelessness Via Town Square
Much like the fête's prized chutney wears a blue winners sash, so too should this top initiative from HoMie & Champion.
Thinkerbell Takes Us Back To Summer In Latest Work For XXXX
This beer ad wants to take you back to summer! Just minus any chance of a shark attack on your morning bus commute.
Cannes Lions Unveils 2024 Programme Featuring Queen Latifah, Jay Shetty & P&G’s Mark Pritchard
Are you one of the lucky ducks heading to Cannes in June? Check out the headliner acts you'll be queueing hours to see.
Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
Costa Panagos set to bring South American flair to the Scroll offices. Assuming that he is, indeed, South American.
Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
Born around the 2000s? Need to amp up your AI creds? This guide's for you (although it's not really that age specific).
General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
Do you rage about oversized American cars on our roads? You need to bail up Heath Walker at parties & industry events.
VML Launches New “Envoyage” Brand For Flight Centre
VML unveils new brand for travel operator Flight Centre. Alas, no sign of those paid actors pretending to be pilots.
Subaru Places Media Account Up For Review
Subaru puts media up for review, as adland journos get set for mandatory "agency drives off with..." headline.
TV Ratings (17/04/2024): Contestants Faced With Harsh Realities As Alone Australia Heats Up (Or Cools Down)
Alone still doing the business for SBS. Overly long train journeys not doing the business, but they persist anyway.
Ben Fordham Loses Number One Spot As Ray Hadley Celebrates 156th Ratings Win
The radio numbers are in! Discover who's off for a boozy lunch today & who's waiting for the dreaded HR death knock.
Gourmet Ice Cream Brand Connoisseur Launches New “Thrill Your Senses” Iteration, Via SICKDOGWOLFMAN
Rattling the old "truth in advertising" adage comes this ice-cream spot full of noticeably thin people.
Paramount’s Global Sales Boss: ‘Australia’s Converged Model Is A Blueprint For How I’d Like All Of Our Markets To Be’
Paramount's global sales boss gives local sales ops the thumbs up. Didn't weigh-in on the Lisa Wilkinson debacle.
TikTok Starts Testing Its Instagram Rival In Australia
In exciting news for piano playing cats & brattish pranks in shopping centres, TikTok unveils its Insta rival plans.
Man Wrongly Named By Seven As Bondi Killer Hires Lawyers
Struggling to save for a house deposit? Why not get wrongly identified by Sunrise!
Smartsheet Appoints Indie Agency Sandbox Media To Its Media Account
Can't stand your colleagues? Like to dob them in when they miss a deadline? These work management platforms are ideal.
Boss Not Letting You Come To Cannes In Cairns? Use This Business Case To Convince Them!
Stingy boss won't spring for a ticket to Cairns? Add this to your persuasive argument repertoire. Or grovel.
Alt/shift/ Brisbane Builds Portfolio With Ausbuild Creative, PR, Content & Social Account Win
The Brisbane comms/PR agency lands constructor Ausbuild. Also hoping for a discount on its new glass conservatory.
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
Cannes In Cairns poking this hornet's nest in a lively debate. Just so long as the oldies can get up the stairs.
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Are you the notorious "light leaver on-er" in your flatshare? Quell any infighting with this green energy news.
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
B&T applauds the charitable nature of this new agency. Although we'd hate to see it impact any Chrissie present sends.
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
Yes, it's another NRL drug story. Yet, thankfully it doesn't involve coke in Kuta during the off-season.
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Ahhh, all black! The outfit of choice for agency creatives, David Jones staff and everyone in Melbourne.
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
American apparel brand set for yet another tilt at the Aussie market, as Nike declares "we'll see about that".
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Are you always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as the old saying goes? How do you think Pepsi feels?
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
B&T's always been a huge fan of the 'drink yourself thinner' diet plan. So big thanks to Pure blonde, vodka & tequila.