US away: Former premier Dominic Perrottet quits NSW parliament, reveals new gig

Dominic Perrottet will relocate his family to Washington DC. His exit is expected to trigger a double by-election — in his seat of Epping, as well as the Hornsby seat formerly held by Matt Kean.

Former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

EXCLUSIVE

Former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has quit state politics.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mr Perrottet, and his wife, Helen and seven children, will relocate to the US, where he will lead BHP’s office in Washington DC as head of corporate and external affairs, USA.

Mr Perrottet, who will finish up in parliament on August 11, has long been expected to head to the private sector despite some in the party hoping he might have a second tilt at the leadership or consider entering federal politics.

The move is expected to trigger a double by-election with Mr Perrottet’s seat of Epping and the Liberal-held seat of Hornsby.

Hornsby MP Matt Kean announced last month he would also be quitting politics after accepting a job from the Albanese government as chair of the Climate Change Authority.

While declaring how much he had loved his 13 years in state politics, Perrottet, 41, said it was time to start a new chapter in his career.

The Perrottet family, from left, Charlotte, William, Harriet, Dominic, Annabelle, Beatrice, wife Helen, baby Celeste and Amelia. Picture: Toby Zerna/Office of NSW Premier

“Resources are hugely important to Australia and NSW, and BHP is a great Australian and NSW success story,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to BHP’s global standing and business.

“I’ve loved every moment of the past 13 years in politics, and Helen and I are really excited about the next chapter of our lives.”

MINNS TRIBUTE

Premier Chris Minns has acknowledged the “huge legacy” his former political rival has left in the State.

“Dom leaves behind a huge legacy in our state both as a reforming Treasurer and Premier who spearheaded city shaping projects,” he said

“Congratulations on all that you’ve done for NSW and good luck with what comes next.”

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It’s been an honour and a privilege 👇 pic.twitter.com/HwLhi441OE

— Dominic Perrottet (@Dom_Perrottet) July 19, 2024

Perrottet — the former treasurer, who became premier after winning a leadership ballot held in the wake of the shock resignation of Gladys Berejiklian — was initially sounded out for the role of Business Council of Australia chief executive officer

Despite the role included what was believed to be a $1 million salary, Mr Perrottet turned it down. The job was later filled by his former chief-of-staff Bran Black.

Since then, Mr Perrottet has been rumoured to have been sounded out for a range of jobs, including working with hospitality king Justin Hemmes to media gigs, KPMG NZ, international banking roles and think tanks.

Elected to parliament in 2011, the conservative solicitor from northwest Sydney was quickly marked by his peers as a future leader.

Dominic Perrottet leaving his home the day after losing the 2023 election to Chris Minns. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

A conservative Catholic, Mr Perrottet was head of the right-wing faction of the NSW Liberal Party.

But despite his political leanings, he was known to consult widely, including with former party leaders such as John Howard and ex-Labor prime minister Paul Keating, whom he spoke with during the pandemic.

Despite often being forced to defend his faith, Mr Perrottet supported many liberal reforms such as a ban on gay conversion therapy and vowing to make every poker machine cashless within five years.

However, during the abortion debate, he exclusively told The Daily Telegraph that he would be voting against its decriminalisation, declaring at the time that he could not support laws that stopped “the beating heart of an unborn child”.

Mr Perrottet also voted against voluntary euthanasia legislation.

As treasurer, Mr Perrottet will be remembered for pioneering stamp duty reform and his then controversial attempts to re-open Sydney after the Covid lockdowns.

Despite the population undergoing vaccinations, the emergence of the Omicron variant resulted in those opposed to opening dubbing Mr Perrottet “Domicron”.

However, community and businesses embraced the end of the lockdowns with fears of hospitals being overwhelmed not eventuating.

Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and daughter Beatrice — then three years old — on the campaign trail in 2023.

Mr Perrottet was also at the forefront of asset recycling, describing it as the “golden key” to driving infrastructure investment in NSW.

A devoted father, Mr Perrottet also took a keen interest in the future of young people, pushing initiatives such as a shake up of school hours and creating a “generations fund” seeded with $3 billion to guard against intergenerational budgetary pressures.

Mr Perrottet’s 18 months as premier was not without controversy – in early 2023 he revealed he had worn a Nazi uniform as fancy dress at his 21st birthday before apologising for the incident. Mr Perrottet’s admission and swift apology helped minimise the political fallout from the incident.

During the state election, Mr Perrottet and his then political rival Chris Minns were credited for setting a new standard in political debate after declaring each other “great company”.

After Mr Minns became premier, he is understood to have invited Mr Perrottet over for dinner.