Ex-premier drops bombshell on career

Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced his retirement from politics, and will reportedly move to Washington DC.

In a statement shared to X on Friday, Mr Perrottet said it had been “the greatest privilege of (his) life” to serve in the NSW government, and that he intended to deliver his valedictory speech when parliament returned, with his formal resignation set for August 11.

“I love NSW. It has been an absolute honour to represent the 8 million people who call this great state home, especially as their 46th premier,” Mr Perrotet’s statement read.

“I got into politics to promote ideas and new ways of thinking and I am proud to have been part of a government that left NSW a much better place than we found it.”

Mr Perrottet also thanked the Castle Hill, Hawkesbury and Epping communities, who he had the “good fortune of representing” during his time in office.

The Daily Telegraph has reported Mr Perrottet, his wife and seven children will now move to Washington DC, where the former Premier will take on the role of head of corporate and external affairs, USA, for BHP.

The move comes little more than a week after he was spotted having coffee with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison just minutes away from NSW parliament, with a Liberal insider stating at the time Mr Perrottet was “days away” from resigning.

The former Liberal leaders were spotted deep in conversation late last week at the Little Jardin Café connected to the Sydney Eye Hospital.

Later that day, a senior Liberal source said the Epping MP had secured a job in the private sector and was days away from announcing his exit from Macquarie St.

“Dom will probably resign next week. The job is confirmed,” they said.

However when asked, Mr Perrottet declined to confirm, deny or comment on the claim.

NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman thanked Mr Perrottet for his contributions over the course of his 13-year career, saying he has set a “high standard for future leaders”.

“He has left an indelible mark on our State,” Mr Speakman said on Friday afternoon.

“His retirement marks the end of a career defined by visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the people of NSW.

“His contributions to financial management, infrastructure, and family support have set a high standard for future leaders.”

Mr Perrottet used “passion” and “imagination” to make NSW a “better place for all”, Mr Speakman added.

“His legacy is one of remarkable achievements and steadfast leadership. His vision and reforms have helped to transformed NSW, setting the stage for continued growth and prosperity,” he said.

“I thank Dom for his tireless service and wish him all the best with his new role. I also wish Helen, Charlotte, Annabelle, Amelia, Harriet, Beatrice, William and Celeste all the best as they adjust to Dom and life after politics!”

Mr Perrotet delivered five budgets during his time in politics and established the NSW Generations Fund, Australia’s first sub-national sovereign debt retirement future fund which is now reportedly valued at $17bn.

He also worked on key projects including the Northwest Metro, Sydney Metro and WestConnex.

Speculation on Mr Perrottet’s career has intensified following the resignation of his ex-deputy and former NSW treasurer Matt Kean.

Mr Kean ended his 13-year-run as the MP for Hornsby stating he wanted to explore private sector opportunities in the renewable energy and climate space.

Days later he appeared next to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who announced him as the new chair of the Climate Change Authority.

The exit of Mr Kean and Mr Perrottet would trigger by-elections in the safe Liberal seats.

Mr Perrottet was first elected into the state parliament as the member of Castle Hill 2011, before he represented the Liberal Party as the MP for Hawkesbury, and then Epping in 2019.

Prior to succeeding Gladys Berejiklian as NSW Premier, he was the state’s treasurer and has also overseen the portfolios for finance and industrial relations.