Gladys Berejiklian backs Dominic Perrottet’s agenda
Dominic Perrottet will increase the role of the state’s chief economist in a remodelled crisis cabinet that will be rebranded to emphasise the state’s economic recovery and planned reopening.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet will increase the role of the state’s chief economist in a remodelled crisis cabinet that will be rebranded to emphasise the state’s economic recovery and planned reopening, rather than emergency Covid-19 management.
As revealed exclusively by The Australian on Wednesday, Mr Perrottet will recalibrate the government’s existing crisis cabinet settings to include greater input from pivotal economic advisers, as one of his first structural decisions as NSW Premier.
Changes will include elevating the role of the state’s chief economist, Stephen Walters, whose data and research previously advised the crisis committee under former premier Gladys Berejiklian but was delivered by other representatives, such as Treasury Secretary Mike Pratt.
A government official said the cabinet subcommittee would also be renamed the Covid and Economic Recovery Committee.
“As we hit the key 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination targets in coming days, we need to ensure our focus remains on keeping people safe and continuing to strive for above 90 per cent vaccination rates,” the Premier said.
“Alongside this we must have a sharp focus on how we support businesses and ensure that people return to work and give the NSW economy the best chance of bouncing back.”
Ms Berejiklian backed Mr Perrottet’s ability to lead the state out of lockdown in brief remarks as she entered her Willoughby office on Wednesday morning, flanked by Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman.
“I just want to say a big thank you to everybody – it has been an enormous comfort to know people care,” she told reporters.
“And I want the community to get behind Premier Perrottet at this important time. He has been an outstanding leader and we need everyone to follow the Premier’s words and make sure we come out of lockdown as quickly as possible.”
Wednesday marked Mr Perrottet’s first full day as NSW Premier, and once again included a visit to Government House for the swearing in of his cabinet, with all but a handful of roles remaining intact. A reshuffle of positions is expected in December.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes, who contested the Liberal leadership against Mr Perrottet, will add the Transport and Roads portfolios to his existing responsibilities.
Mr Stokes’ additional portfolio, as well as the Treasury portfolio awarded to Matt Kean, are the only adjustments to be made to the ministry thus far.
Newly elected Nationals leader Paul Toole was on confirmed as the state’s Deputy Premier after securing the position in a 15-3 ballot against Water Minister Melinda Pavey.
Mr Toole said he had spoken to Mr Perrottet by phone and both had agreed to conduct a tour of regional NSW when circumstances permit over the coming weeks.
“We’re going to represent people right across the state,” Mr Toole said. “No matter where you live, we want to make sure that investment remains strong and that we actually provide the services that you both need and deserve.”
The state’s Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor was elected the Nationals deputy leader in a historic appointment that makes her the first female deputy leader of the party in more than 100 years. The Nationals were formed in 1920 but were known in their first iteration as the Australian Country Party.
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