‘If you were female’: Dominic Perrottet questioned about juggling top job and six kids

Dominic Perrottet is already facing some tough questions, including one usually reserved for female political leaders.

Dominic Perrottet has been asked about whether he can manage being the NSW Premier and juggling six children, with one reporter calling out a line of questioning usually directed at female leaders.

“You said you were going to be the first Premier for families. If you were a female leader, you would be asked how you can manage being Premier and also the parent of six children, so I think it is fair to ask you that today,” the reporter said.

“What do you think?”

The newly appointed Liberal leader confessed it would be “demanding” and balancing work and family life is challenging for every person across NSW.

“I think what I might lose in time, I gain in perspective. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and I am no different to that, but one thing I do know is that I have a very strong team around me,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I have a strong family and I have a strong ministerial team who will ensure that our focus is on the people of NSW.

Dominic Perrottet pictured with his wife Helen and five of his children in 2018. Picture: Jenny Evans

“Yes I have family commitments, but that should not disqualify one from the job.”

Another reporter then asked Mr Perrottet to elaborate on what sacrifices he might have to make, whether that would mean not coaching his kids’ basketball team on the weekend.

“They might be moments you miss,” he said.

Mr Perrottet responded: “I have not had those conversations.”

The reporter continued: “Will it be worth it?”

The new Premier argued that the “privilege” to serve residents in NSW was “enormous”.

“Yes, there will be challenges and perhaps … other family (events) that I may not have (time to go to), but that will drive me even more to make sure that every single hour of my day, when I am at work, is dedicated to the improvement of the lives of every person across the state.”

Mr Perrottet has six children with his wife Helen and is the youngest person to hold the state’s top leadership role.

Dominic Perrottet with daughter Beatrice.

Dominic Perrottet was asked about how he would juggle the top job and looking after his six kids.

He had pledged to be a “Premier for families” after Liberal MPs elected him into the top job after a landslide 39-5 vote.

“Up until now, all of our Liberal premiers have been infrastructure premiers – building roads, rail, schools and hospitals for communities right across our state,” Mr Perrottet said.

“That will not change with me, but I will also be a family Premier, focusing on how we can make life better for working families.”

The devout Catholic will become the 46th person to be NSW Premier.

He will be sworn in at Government House later on Tuesday.

The changeover comes after Ms Berejiklian quit on Friday when she got a tap on the shoulder from the state’s corruption watchdog ICAC, which revealed she was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust.

Those alleged breaches involve her secret five-year relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.

“I state categorically, I have always acted with the highest level of integrity,” Ms Berejiklian said as she announced her resignation on Friday.