Region's MPs welcome Dominic Perrottet as 46th Premier of NSW

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman says newly sworn-in NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet will bring the people of the state “certainty and hope” during an incredibly challenging time.

Retiring NSW Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega Andrew Constance, and former NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro have also thrown their support behind the newly elected leader of the NSW Liberal Party and the 46th Premier of NSW.

Ms Tuckerman said the 39-year-old father-of-six and the youngest ever leader of NSW has “demonstrated great governance” in his role as NSW Treasurer, and has been at the forefront of the state’s leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since I was elected as the Member for Goulburn, Dominic has been a tremendous supporter of the entire Goulburn electorate,” she said.

“Mr Perrottet has my trust and confidence as Premier to lead the state through this period in a way which we will come out stronger and more resilient.

“In under a week, NSW will be out of lockdown, slowly returning to getting on with our lives.

“I am optimistic about the future of NSW and the electorate of Goulburn.”

Following the weekend announcement that Mr Constance hopes to move into federal politics, with plans to run for pre-selection in the seat of Gilmore, he said he is looking forward to working with Mr Perrottet before stepping down at the end of 2021.

Mr Constance was NSW Treasurer when Mr Perrottet was NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business so the pair has worked closely on many projects throughout the state.

“The beauty with Dom is he’s been in cabinet since 2014 and Treasurer for four years, and he understands the importance of getting the community to reopen as soon as possible,” said Mr Constance.

Despite Mr Perrottet’s openly conservative personal views, Mr Constance says the Premier is “pragmatic and understands the importance of community views”.

“People are saying he’s hard right and trying to position him in a particular way, but I think it’s a good, balanced party room in terms of views,” he said.

Mr Constance said he’s pleased Mr Perrottet has indicated support for an MP conscience vote on a voluntary assisted-dying bill.

The Member for Bega also welcomed the appointment of former NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres to the position of Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party.

“Stuart ‘gets’ Western Sydney, but he also gets the importance of regional areas,” said Mr Constance.

“He’s high-energy and a 24/7 politician, and I wouldn’t expect anything other than him being a good deputy to Dom.

“He’ll provide a balanced reflection to all decisions made in state parliament.”

Mr Barilaro said the new NSW Premier is a friend and someone who will “take this state right now during a time that needs strong leadership through the opening up, the end of the pandemic and the start of the recovery”.

After being sworn in as Premier on Tuesday, 5 October, Mr Perrottet said “today begins a new chapter in the story of NSW”.

“Being Premier is a great honour, but I want to be clear that the job I have committed to today is not just to lead NSW, but to serve the people of our state,” he said.

“For the past 18 months together we have been battling the storm that is COVID-19.

“Some have lost their lives. Many have lost their livelihoods. So many sacrifices – big and small – have been made by so many for so long.

“In our regional communities, this has also come on the back of droughts, floods and bushfires.

“You don’t get to choose the times in which you live, and this is one of the most challenging times the people of our state have ever faced.

“But NSW has never shied away from a challenge, and we’re rising to this one as well.”

Mr Perrottet said while there are still more challenging days to come, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“We want NSW to bounce back stronger, safer and more successful than ever before,” he said.