Gladys Berejiklian: The hard-working but private NSW Premier
Updated
New South Wales' newly sworn in Premier Gladys Berejiklian is widely known for her hard work and diligence, but her ongoing success may hinge on whether the intensely private MP can open up to the public.
"The last premier was 'hello, how are you? Let's have a beer'. This one is 'hello, how are you? Let's talk about economic efficiency.'"
That is one Liberal MP's assessment of NSW's 45th Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and it echoes the view of many — that the former banking executive is supremely diligent.
In fact, it would be difficult to find anyone in Parliament, from either side of politics, who would say that Ms Berejiklian is not hard working.
During the 2011 election campaign, Ms Berejiklian showed journalists a glimpse of her work ethic, by getting them to quiz her about the details of each of the 93 lower house seats.
They would give her a seat and she would tell them the current sitting member, the Liberal candidate and a bit of background about the electorate.
Powerful friends
However, the former treasurer and transport minister's political success has not been driven by hard work alone.
Ms Berejiklian enjoys the support of some powerful factional allies.
A member of the Liberal Party's moderate faction, Ms Berejiklian is close to former MP Michael Photios — one of the party's most powerful members outside of Parliament.
She is also known to be close to former federal treasurer Joe Hockey and the current North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman.
One of her biggest supporters in NSW has been Hornsby MP Matt Kean, who is expected to be rewarded with a ministerial position for his loyalty.
A charm offensive?
Ms Berejiklian was initially seen as a natural successor to former premier Barry O'Farrell, but in April 2014, she was outmanoeuvred by Mike Baird in the leadership contest.
Unlike Mr Baird, whose use of Twitter and Facebook has been frequent and, at times, controversial, Ms Berejiklian has shied away from social media and has kept her personal life private.
While her colleagues are familiar with her sense of humour and her ability to be self-deprecating, it is a side the public rarely sees.
Ms Berejiklian is not married and does not have children, but she is very close to her family and friends.
Voters will be eager for the Premier to open up about her personal life, although her mistrust of the media may make that difficult.
This morning, journalists, eager to witness Ms Berejiklian's interaction with the public on her morning commute, tried to board the bus with her.
But, the Premier-to-be said no.
Topics: state-parliament, liberals, government-and-politics, nsw, willoughby-2068, sydney-2000
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