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New Premier receives tick of approval

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He’s only been in the job one day but, already, NSW leader Dominic Perrottet has received the tick of approval.

The former Treasurer was sworn in as the 46th Premier, vowing to make no major policy or personnel changes in the coming months as the state emerges from COVID-19 lockdown.

The 39-year-old, from the Liberal Party’s conservative faction, defeated Rob Stokes 39-5 in Tuesday’s leadership ballot at Parliament House.

Stuart Ayres is the new deputy leader and Matt Kean will be Treasurer.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin congratulated Mr Perrottet on his appointment.

“Dom has a proven track record as Treasurer,” he said.

“He’ll make an excellent Premier as our state begins the next stage out of the pandemic.

“We are rapidly approaching our 70% and 80% vaccination targets.

“So, that means we will be exiting lockdown soon.

“With Dom’s experience as Treasurer and Stuart’s experience as Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism, the Liberal Party is demonstrating its commitment to the economic recovery and growing the number of jobs across NSW.”

The state’s peak business lobby group also says it’s looking forward to working with Mr Perrottet.

NSW is due to start emerging from the restrictions on Monday 11 October.

“I am pleased the leadership question has been settled quickly, at a critical time in our state’s recovery from the COVID-19 Delta outbreak,” Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said.

“Less than a week from reopening, I am confident the new Premier will be the steady hand business needs to approach next Monday with confidence.

“Dominic Perrottet and his team have a big job to do to ensure continuity of leadership for the state and to deliver the roadmap to reopening.

“They certainly have the experience to achieve that goal.”

Mr Perrottet, a father of six, vowed on Tuesday to be a “family Premier” and prioritise the plight of working families in NSW.

He also pledged to maintain policy and cabinet continuity after Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation, with no reshuffle in the short term and no major policy changes as lockdowns draw to an end.

He said he would maintain this position at least until summer.

However, the Premier indicated he was keen to get children back to school – currently scheduled for 18 October – as soon as possible.

He will also need to appoint a new environment minister to replace Mr Kean and a transport minister to replace Andrew Constance, who announced his resignation at the weekend.

“We are at an important juncture,” Mr Perrottet said.

“On Monday, the state opens up and we want to get people back into work, get business open again, and that is the focus of our government.

“This is not a time for people to be focusing on themselves.”

Mr Perrottet knocked back speculation he would bring forward the easing of restrictions in NSW from next Monday to this week, saying he would be further briefed by NSW Health.

NSW is likely to reach its initial COVID-19 vaccination target – 70% double-dose coverage of those 16 and over – by Thursday.

Long touted as the Premier-in-waiting, Mr Perrottet struck a deal at the weekend with his moderate colleagues to make Mr Ayres deputy.

Ms Berejiklian, who resigned on Friday, did not attend Tuesday’s vote.

Mr Perrottet acknowledged the ICAC investigation connected to Ms Berejiklian – due to start on 18 October – would prompt public commentary but insisted it would not distract his government.

A post-lockdown economic recovery plan will be announced shortly.

“Where we had success last year, we’ll double down,” he said.

Mr Stokes, 47, had offered himself as an experienced alternative to Mr Perrottet but admitted the party had chosen “emphatically”.

The Pittwater MP will remain in the planning portfolio.

Mr Perrottet also said he was happy to work with whoever was voted the new National Party leader and deputy premier on Wednesday following John Barilaro’s resignation on Monday.

Paul Toole and Melinda Pavey have put their hands up for the top job.

Mr Perrottet acknowledged being a father of six was “demanding” but said he felt enriched by his family responsibilities.

“What I might lose in time, I gain in perspective,” he said.

  • With AAP

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