NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet switches focus to economic recovery

Dominic Perrottet will reshape his crisis cabinet to prioritise economic recovery and community wellbeing over day-to-day emergency management in one of his first acts.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley swears in Dominic Perrottet as the state’s 46th Premier at Government House on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

Dominic Perrottet will reshape the state’s crisis cabinet to prioritise economic recovery and community wellbeing over day-to-day emergency management in one of his first acts as NSW Premier.

Accelerating the return of schooling and easing restrictions around religious services are also on the agenda, and were part of preliminary discussions on Tuesday between Mr Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard.

But no decision has been made about whether to change any part of the plan to lift Covid-19 health restrictions, with Mr Perrottet to chair his first meeting of the state’s crisis cabinet on Wednesday.

Mr Perrottet emerged victorious from a party room leadership ballot against Planning Minister Rob Stokes on Tuesday, becoming the youngest NSW Premier after turning 39 just a month ago.

Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres was elected uncontested for the role of deputy Liberal leader.

Shortly after being sworn in by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Mr Perrottet met with Mr Hazzard to work “line by line” through the state’s recovery road map, under which lockdown restrictions will be eased at 70 and 80 per cent vaccination coverage.

Mr Perrottet, who as NSW Treasurer was a strong proponent of easing restrictions, is expected to flag an intention to reorient the focus of crisis cabinet – and possibly rename the committee – during his first meetings as chair.

The group is also expected to meet less frequently.

A NSW cabinet subcommittee, the crisis cabinet was created by Gladys Berejiklian in 2020 to discuss essential Covid-19 responses with health officials and other government representatives.

Stuart Ayres, left, and Dominic Perrottet arrive at Government House in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: David Swift

Mr Perrottet was one of several ministers who repeatedly pushed back against some health restrictions designed to limit mobility, particularly those that tended to overly constrain the economic health of NSW. The move to recalibrate the role of the crisis cabinet is understood to form part of a broader ­effort by Mr Perrottet to rebrand aspects of the government.

Unwilling to be drawn on specific road map adjustments, Mr Perrottet praised the existing plans to unwind restrictions at 70 and 80 per cent vaccination coverage, but conceded that some areas could be improved.

“We had a very constructive discussion around all the elements of the road map – the road map is a very good plan,” Mr Perrottet told The Australian. “But we discussed areas of it and went through it line by line.”

A possible revision of rules around household gatherings, school starting dates and restrictions around religious services are among the matters said to have been discussed during the meeting with Mr Hazzard, although any changes will need to be cleared by NSW health officials.

Mr Perrottet will be joined by a new deputy premier on Wednesday, with the Nationals holding their own leadership ballot after the resignation of John Barilaro.

Regional Transport Minister Paul Toole is favoured to succeed Mr Barilaro over his leadership rival Water Minister Melinda Pavey.

Soon after the Liberal vote concluded on Tuesday, Mr Stokes released a statement paying tribute to Mr Perrottet.

“Dom has proven himself as an outstanding treasurer and will be a great premier. He has my full support,” Mr Stokes said, adding that it would be a decision for Mr Perrottet as to whether Mr Stokes should be retained in cabinet.

Dominic Perrottet at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: AAP

Mr Perrottet and Mr Ayres travelled to NSW Government House along with newly confirmed Treasurer Matt Kean and Mr Hazzard, where they were sworn in by Ms Beazley in a small ceremony that required the use of face-masks and physical distancing.

In an address to reporters, the newly sworn-in leaders said their intention was to conduct a broader reshuffle of the cabinet over the summer. The decision will maintain the current ministry structure for budget estimates hearings that are slated to begin later this month.

In an opening statement that emphasised the uncertainty of recent months, Mr Perrottet said Tuesday’s events would mark a “new chapter in the story of NSW”. He also pledged to be a “family premier” who would prioritise households and budgets.

Western Sydney and regional communities were singled out for a special mention, as was Ms Berejiklian, who was credited by Mr Perrottet for her strong and steady leadership style, which had shepherded the state through “so many challenges”.

“Everyone would agree that her hard work, tireless dedication and total commitment is second to none,” he said. “She’s been an inspiring role model for many – especially women and migrant communities. It is my hope that I will continue to live up to the strong leadership Gladys has shown through this pandemic.”

The NSW cabinet was often criticised for its shortage of women, which until recently had three female ministers, one of whom was Ms Berejiklian.

Mr Perrottet said he was committed to making his cabinet as “diverse as possible” – and this included promoting more women.

Promotions are likely to include Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies, a former member of cabinet, and Natasha Maclaren-Jones, who was recently promoted to cabinet secretary. “I’ll make those changes at the appropriate time,” Mr Perrottet said.