Mr Aplin, who retired in the lead-up to the most recent NSW election in 2019, said: "Unfortunately the former member for Wagga Wagga has a lot to answer for in all of this".

ICAC announced on Friday it was investigating whether Ms Berejiklian breached "public trust" arising from a potential conflict of interest involving her personal relationship with Mr Maguire.

"Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I love my job, and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement issued (by ICAC)."

Mr Aplin and Ms Berejiklian both entered the NSW parliament in 2003.

"I'm very disappointed because I think she has done a superb job," Mr Aplin said.

"I had the highest admiration for her work ethic.

"But what has happened is understandable.

"You don't want to be a distraction and it is a long drawn out period as we've seen from past investigations."

IN OTHER NEWS

Mr Aplin's successor Justin Clancy said the Albury electorate would be poorer for Ms Berejiklian's departure as Premier.

Her biggest decision impacting the electorate came last year when she closed the border to Victoria when COVID-19 was running rampant in Melbourne's second wave.

"Even in my time, she has been down here several times and would always be seeking my thoughts on matters," Mr Clancy said.

"She had a definite grasp on matters here in Albury.

"Even with the challenges of border closures she has been keenly conscious on the impact here locally.

"Behind every politician there is a person.

"Her encouragement to the community to stay the course speaks to the person I know."

ICAC is probing whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust when she awarded grants to several community organisations between 2012 and 2018, the Australian Clay Target Association and Riverina Conservatorium, both in Wagga.

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said Ms Berejiklian had "numerous issues" to address.

"There were definitely question marks over the clay target association and conservatorium with regards to grant money," she said.

"Governments absolutely need to be squeaky clean.

"But with grants something gets unearthed nearly every week."

Albury Labor identity Darren Cameron said Ms Berejiklian's departure was "not before time".

"It's a testament to the lack of integrity of the NSW Liberal Party that she has been permitted to continue as Premier for the last 12 months when these allegations were well known," he said.

"Justin Clancy should now explain his support for her."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: