Premier of Australia's New South Wales (NSW), Gladys Berejiklian on Friday announced that she would be quitting from public office, effective as soon as the state elects a new leader.

The news surfaced after it was revealed earlier in the day that she was under probe by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), regarding a conflict of interest around grant funding she oversaw, according to the reports by the international media. "Resigning at this time is against every instinct of my well-being... I love my job and serving the community but I have been given no option following the statement," said Berejiklian. The the Independent Commission Against Corruption will probe whether Berejiklian breached the public trust and was liable to encourage the corruption of her former partner, former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire.

Public hearings for the investigation would begin on October 18 when the premier is expected to front the commission. "Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for the state and its people," said Berejiklian. The 51-year-old has served as the 45th New South Wales Premier from January 23, 2017.

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