Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet reflects on COVID strategy as he exits parliament for BHP job in US

When I asked Dominic Perrottet how he’d like to be remembered in New South Wales he said “That’s for others”, with a humble smile. But I’m sure others would agree that the State’s 46th Premier has nothing to be humble about.

We met at Sydney Harbour — looking across at the park where he effectively single-handedly opened up Australia post-Covid.

By ending hotel quarantine in the nation’s largest state, he forced the hand of other Premiers — and even the Prime Minister — to do the same. Conceding there were a few tense phone calls afterwards.

That one moment exemplifies the political courage of a man who’s shown much. Inheriting a state crippled by COVID in October 2021, he earned the nickname ‘let it rip Dom’, for his commitment to returning life to normal.

The subsequent onset of Omicron (which could unfortunately be easily renamed ‘Domicron’) made it even harder to stick to his guns. But he did. Kids went back to school on day one, term one. Shops reopened. Restaurants were full. Life went on.

“We came out of the pandemic incredibly strong. Better than most states. Better than most countries” he said, when I asked him to reflect on his greatest achievement.

His conviction was also tested on poker machine reform. Dominic Perrottet took on the almighty Clubs NSW to tackle the scourge on our State. Announcing he’d implement a cashless card by 2028, he was viciously attacked by lobbyists, who made the mistake of targeting his religion. Perrottet didn’t blink, staring them down, despite their significant donations.

He didn’t just reform in practice, but in policy. His optional land tax for first-home buyers was brave and bold. The most significant tax reform in a quarter of a century. He told me, if he’d been re-elected, he would have expanded it. Scrapping stamp duty entirely in New South Wales.

“It was good reform, it would have helped home ownership, and I believe one day it’ll happen,” he said.

But it wasn’t enough to see him re-elected.

Perrottet moved to the opposition backbench after just 18 months as Premier. And now, after almost 14 years in State Parliament he’s moving on entirely — and geographically — heading to Washington DC to head up mining giant BHP’s headquarters.

“They’re a great New South Wales and Australian success story and a global company and to play a role with them and the great work they’re doing not just in Australia but globally is a fantastic opportunity”, he told me.

It’ll be a logistical challenge, relocating his wife and seven children to the other side of the world.

“It’s hard enough to take seven down to the shops! But we’re used to it, they’re very excited and it’s going to be a lot of fun” he said.

But he concedes that he’ll miss the fun of the ‘bear pit’, as the New South Wales Legislative Assembly is known.

As Treasurer particularly, Perrottet was the master of Question Time. Quick-witted, scathing, always across his brief. It was beautiful to watch. And one of the many things that will now be lacking in the New South Wales State Parliament.

I asked him if State Politics would be boring now, without his big ideas, his bold reforms, and his parliamentary prowess. He didn’t think so, adding that it was “time for a change”.

I also asked if he could ever see himself coming back.

“No” he said firmly, but with a smile.

“It’s been a great honour and privilege to serve the great people of this state, I love the people of New South Wales, I loved the opportunity I had, but it’s time for me to close that chapter in my life, and open a new one.”

Amelia Brace is the National Business Editor for 7NEWS