“I was surprised she hadn’t stood down after the initial ICAC investigation [into Ms Berejiklian’s former boyfriend, Daryl Maguire],” Mr Gunasehar said.

The probe into disgraced Mr Maguire’s dealings revealed the pair’s secret relationship, and taped phone calls in which he discussed his activities with Ms Berejiklian. The ICAC confirmed on Friday it was investigating whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust or encouraged in corrupt conduct during her secret relationship with Mr Maguire.

Public hearings will examine whether she dishonestly exercised her public functions by not reporting suspicions about the conduct of Mr Maguire.

Ned Anson, a 25-year-old consultant, says his initial reaction was surprise and sympathy for Ms Berejiklian. He also questions the timing, although appreciates the seriousness of ICAC’s inquiries and the need for the Premier to be accountable.

“I think it’s fair play. But it’s probably more the timing,” he said.

Mr Anson says Ms Berejiklian shouldn’t be shielded from scrutiny because she is a woman although thinks there are hints of a double standard, pointing to the example of Christian Porter, who is no longer a federal minister but remains an MP despite rape allegations he strongly denies.

Ms Le Tessier, who works in aviation, feels a man would have gotten away with the conduct that has undone Ms Berejiklian.

“Christian Porter keeps his job, and she doesn’t.”

Sarah de Wilt, 40, thinks there are concerning matters to be probed by ICAC but nonetheless criticises the timing and feels women have it tougher in politics. “There’s a power vacuum now, which is actually quite problematic,” she says.

Davin Griffiths-Jones, 40, of Surry Hills, is scathing about the ICAC’s actions and says Ms Berejiklian’s proximity to Mr Maguire’s conduct was “bad luck”.

“I was shocked, and I was upset because I think she has done a great job. I was pretty annoyed actually,” he said.

“They shouldn’t have done it during this [pandemic] and I think they should have waited.”

Not everyone is sympathetic to Ms Berejiklian’s situation, with some welcoming her departure from the Liberal Party leadership.

“Good riddance,” says Walter Kahn, 73, who rates Ms Berejiklian’s COVID-19 handling harshly.

One woman, who only wanted to be identified as Cathy, says she was “flabbergasted” by the resignation and felt for Ms Berejiklian, who she says has performed well during the pandemic.

“But there was Daryl and there were conversations, and she hasn’t answered those questions the way she should,” she says.

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