NSW leadership LIVE updates Dominic Perrottet becomes NSW Premier Stuart Ayres named as deputy leader

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Thank you for reading our live coverage of today’s events, as a new leader takes the helm in NSW following a Liberal Party leadership ballot.

Dominic Perrottet, who won the vote 39-5, will be sworn in as the 46th Premier of NSW at Government House at 2.30pm.

It marks a formal end to Gladys Berejiklian’s premiership term, which began on January 23, 2017 after Mike Baird announced he was retiring from politics.

If you missed Mr Perrottet’s 11.30am media conference, or would like to have a closer look at his full speech, you can read a transcript of the address here.

Dominic Perrottet will this afternoon be sworn in as the 46th Premier of NSW.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Dominic Perrottet said he does not want NSW to go back into lockdown, but will stick to the national road map out of the pandemic, which could require targeted restrictions during COVID-19 outbreaks.

However, he said Australia must learn to live alongside the virus and vaccination is the key to that being achieved.

“That ensures we don’t go backwards,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This virus is not going away. It will be with us, it’s part of life.

“The way that we can protect the healthcare of our people is through vaccination, and I’m proud to be ... leading a state where its people have come out in droves and been vaccinated and ensured that we were able to open up as quickly as possible.

“We aren’t opening up on Monday [October 11] because of the government. We’re opening up on Monday because of our people and the sacrifices and effort they have made.”

Dominic Perrottet said he will approach the issue of voluntary assisted dying “delicately”.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich plans to introduce a bill to legalise voluntary assisted dying to Parliament this month, with some coalition MPs pushing to be allowed a conscience vote on the issue.

Mr Perrottet said he believes in conscience votes and will talk to colleagues about the matter.

“My view has always been, as a member of the Liberal Party in the Howard tradition, that we provide for conscience votes on those issues,” he said.

“That’s ultimately a matter for our cabinet and our party room.”

Mr Perrottet also said there were not enough women in the NSW cabinet.

There are only two Liberal women in the cabinet after Gladys Berejiklian’s departure, while there are three Nationals women in cabinet.

The new leader said his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian had messaged him yesterday, but he did not want to say what she said.

Gladys Berejiklian announcing her resignation on Friday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

“She messaged me yesterday in relation to wishing me well, and also to pass on to the party room a message, which I don’t want to go into, but which I did today,” Mr Perrottet said.

Mr Perrottet said he has already received one message from a member of the crossbench, who he will need to work with.

“Obviously parliamentary stability is incredibly important. I’ve already had one of those crossbenchers reach out to me today,” he said.

He said he will sit down with the crossbench in coming days to ensure there is stability in the state’s Legislative Assembly.

The newly-elected leader was asked about his perceived climate change scepticism.

He said the state is on track to meet its net zero emissions targets without any policy change.

“When it comes to climate change and the environment, I believe our government is not just nation-leading but world-leading in that space, and I am very proud to be a part of the government,” Mr Perrottet said.

He pointed to new electric vehicle policies he brought in as Treasurer as evidence he is not opposed to reform.

“I have been very proud to be Treasurer and work on some world-leading policies, our electric vehicles reform,” Mr Perrottet said.

He said he remains committed to GST and stamp duty reform, and believes he will be able to work well with other state premiers, despite last month calling the leader of Western Australia “Gollum”.

“Well, this is not a Kumbaya session â€" this is about fighting for our state,” Mr Perrottet said today.

Asked about his relationship with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, he said it was a productive one, though they have not always agreed.

“Scott’s a passionate guy. And that will, from time to time, lead to disagreements,” Mr Perrottet said.

Dominic Perrottet said he is proud of his religious values and the criticism of his faith has been unfounded.

“Diversity should be celebrated, it shouldn’t be criticised.”

He doesn’t believe his Christian faith will inhibit his ability to lead NSW.

“I am very proud of the fact that I have a strong Christian faith,” he said.

“Does that in any way take away my capacity to serve as Premier? Well, I do not think so, and I think it is a sad thing that some people do.”

Dominic Perrottet said Planning Minister Rob Stokes remains a good friend despite running against him in this morning’s leadership ballot.

“Rob Stokes is a great mate and a great minister in this government and will continue to play a very important role,” he said.

Mr Perrottet said the party is “blessed” to have so many potential leaders.

“That is a sign of depth in a team,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I believe that this team will be united, strong and will continue that track record, the legacy of Gladys Berejiklian.”

Rob Stokes and Dominic Perrottet this morning. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Mr Perrottet said he would be sitting down with his crisis cabinet and health officials to discuss the state’s reopening but that his intention was still to reopen on Monday, October 11.

Mr Perrottet said there would be no cabinet reshuffle “until we are through this challenge”.

He said he expects to reshuffle the cabinet over summer. “My expectation is that, over summer, I will work through that, but ultimately, right now, the focus of this government is on the people of this state,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are at an important juncture.”

Mr Perrottet said he expected current Environment Minister Matt Kean to become Treasurer.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard will remain in his portfolio.

Newly elected deputy leader Stuart Ayres said Dominic Perrottet knows “how to run a household budget and a state budget”.

Dominic Perrottet is going to be an outstanding Premier for NSW, he’s got runs on the board and he’s been here to do the heavy lifting.

He understands how to run a household budget, and he understands how to run a state budget.

We have been through immense challenges, whether it’s the city or the suburbs, the coast or the bush, we are going to remain focused on the people of NSW.

Dominic Perrottet and newly elected Deputy NSW Liberal Leader Stuart Ayres on Tuesday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Dominic Perrottet also used his opening remarks to recognise Gladys Berejiklian, saying she had been an inspiring role model for many, “especially women in migrant communities”.

“And that’s just one of the reasons why I believe there has been such an outpouring of support over the last few days,” he said.

He said Ms Berejiklian’s hard work, tireless dedication and total commitment to her job was second to none.

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