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“I was wrong”: Dominic Perrottet admits Catholic faith played a role in gambling reform 

Dominic Perrottet has changed his tune. After reflecting on his decision to implement a new gambling policy, he admits his Catholic faith played a role. Last week ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis made a comment claiming the premier’s “conservative Catholic gut” was linked to his decision to implement cashless poker machines across all venues in NSW. As a result, the ClubsNSW board decided to fire Landis. Perrottet responded to the comment and claimed his views were “not informed by the fact that I’m Catholic.” Since then, Perrottet has changed his mind. He admitted that the decision was influenced by his Catholic faith. “Certainly my upbringing and my faith has had an impact,” the premier said. “I don’t think that is something I should be ashamed of.” When asked why this policy is such a priority for him, he reflected on his time as NSW treasurer, “We were receiving revenue and profit from people’s misery.” Perrottet has been the state’s premier since October 2021, dealing with the state opening up after COVID and the Omnicron wave. “I haven't got everything right in the time I've been in politics, but you learn from it,” he said. “Politics is not easy. It's difficult and there will always be the external events and mistakes get made.” If Perrottet is re-elected this year, the gambling law overhaul will begin early next year with the roll-out of cashless poker machines. Image credit: Getty

Legal

"This is about looking after the vulnerable": Major gambling reform unveiled

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet plans to spend $340 million to overhaul the NSW gambling industry in what he describes as the largest social, community and law enforcement reforms in the state’s history. In order to stop problem gambling and eliminate money laundering in pubs and clubs, NSW is set to roll out cashless poker machines. There will be an introduction of mandatory cashless gambling across all venues in NSW. Any new machines purchased are required to be cashless and the roll out of the digital machines will begin early next year. The plan is for poker machines in NSW to be entirely cashless by 2028. It is an enormous transition. “I’ll work to ensure no-one is left behind, that no jobs are lost,” Perrottet said. The plan will provide no-interest loans for small and medium venues to assist them with the roll out of the cashless technology. It also provides a one-off $50,000 “diversification” grant for venues to invest in new income. Gamblers will also be able to set a daily limit for themselves, which will be locked for seven days in order to stop spending more than planned, and they will only be able to use money from their personal bank account; credit cards will no longer be accepted. “Today, we fix money laundering, we fix problem gambling and we support pubs and clubs across New South Wales,” Perrottet said. The reform is the result of a report released by the NSW Police Commission which had recommended many of the changes in attempt to stop money laundering. Image credit: Getty

Legal

“It was a terrible mistake”: NSW premier admits to wearing Nazi costume

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has admitted in a televised press conference that he dressed up in a Nazi uniform at his 21st “fancy dress” themed birthday party. During the press conference, Mr Perrottet said he chose to make the public admission after being called by a colleague two days ago who said they knew about the costume. “When it was raised to me two days ago, I realised I needed to tell the truth and not someone else,” he told reporters. Mr Perrottet also revealed that no-one else at the party wore Nazi garb, and that his mother and father – who also attended the party – told him the next day that his choice of costume was “in poor taste”. In an interview with 2GB’s Chris O’Keefe on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Perrottet clarified he did not dress up as Adolf Hitler and did not wear a fake moustache. Mr Perrottet said that he was unaware whether any images existed of him wearing the costume, but that he wanted to address the “massive mistake”. He said he was “deeply ashamed” of the decision and apologised for the hurt it would cause the wider community: “I wish I could go back in time and do that day again.” The premier admitted he studied World War II history in school and had Jewish friends at 21 but says he was “naive” and did not realise the gravity of his actions. “It was a terrible mistake at that age in my life, I just did not understand the gravity and the hurt of what that uniform means to people not just in our state but around the country and around the world,” he continued. Mr Perrottet said he had considered addressing the incident several times in the past and was aware that it was important the revelation came from him to apologise for “the hurt and the pain this is going to cause”. “When it was raised with me I didn’t want this difficult truth of a grave and terrible mistake that I made at my 21st birthday party to be told by someone else,” he said. “I have grappled with this. It has been something that’s personally anguished me.” In response, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies posted a statement on their Facebook page and said they hoped the incident would “serve as a lesson” and reminder of the “abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime”. They also said Nazi symbolism should “not to be taken lightly and dressing as a Nazi is not a joke”. “We appreciate that the Premier personally reached out to the Jewish community this afternoon to express his deep and sincere regret about his poor choice of costume as a young man,” the post reads. “The Premier has been a staunch supporter and friend of the NSW Jewish community throughout his time in public life. In particular, as Treasurer, he ensured the Sydney Jewish Museum received funding to ensure that it could continue educating the community about the Holocaust and the horrors of the Nazi era. “The Premier has acknowledged this, recognising that wearing the costume was offensive and will distress many in our community.” The premier has also said he has spoken with Jewish leaders and would continue to apologise to the community. “I’ve become a very passionate supporter of the Jewish community,” he said. The revelation comes just months after Mr Perrottet spoke out strongly against a group of soccer fans who were spotted throwing Nazi salutes at the Australia Cup final, saying there should be lifetime bans for the act. “What we saw the other day was terrible. It was absolutely horrendous,” he said in October. “It has no place, not just at sporting games, but anywhere in our state.” Image: Twitter

News

Alan Jones’ new online show crashes minutes into premiere

Alan Jones' newest venture, an online show called Direct to the People, premiered on Monday night, although not without a few technical hiccups. Jones <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/alan-jones-announces-pioneering-new-career-move" target="_blank">revealed just last week</a> that he had signed with Australian Digital Holdings to produce a digital TV show, describing it as the “tomorrow of media”. The news came just over a month after his <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/i-ain-t-going-away-alan-jones-hosts-final-sky-news-show" target="_blank">final show on Sky News</a> aired following the network’s decision to not renew his contract. For his return to the screen, Jones was set to interview NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. Unfortunately, just minutes into the 8 pm premiere, Jones’ website went down, and the video feed crashed on all platforms. Blaming excessive traffic, producers rescheduled for 8.30pm, at which point the show resumed. Producers have claimed there were “hundreds of thousands” of people attempting to tune in, which is what caused the crash. At the time the stream went down, there were 1322 viewers on YouTube and over 1600 likes on the video on Facebook. During their interview, Jones congratulated Perrottet for his commitment to “freedom of speech”, saying, We’ve lost the quintessential Australian characteristics of optimism, fun...offering one’s own opinion without the fear of being cancelled.” Jones also criticised lockdowns and mask mandates, which he argued had more of a negative impact than COVID-19 itself. Perrottet stated that decisions made by himself and his government had not always been the right ones, while acknowledging that Australia has continued to enjoy the benefits of comparatively low case numbers, adding that with vaccination rates increasing, it made sense to relax restrictions. The Premier said, “There are still so many commentators, politicians and members of the public who would still prefer us to be locked down in circumstances where there is no need. My focus is not on the case numbers, it’s on the ICU and hospital presentations. Coming out every day and saying ‘here are the case numbers’ can instil fear in the community.” Queensland Senator Matt Canavan also made an appearance on the program, discussing his push to increase Australia’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and to implement nuclear energy. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

News

Deputy PM tests positive for Covid, Premier and PM monitoring for symptoms

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has tested positive for Covid-19, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Dominic Perrottet have been advised to monitor for symptoms. Barnaby Joyce tested positive for the virus after traveling to Washington DC for work relating to the government's plan for new regulations on social media. Speaking with ABC Radio New England, the Deputy PM said he chose to get tested after experiencing mild symptoms. "Look, obviously [I am] very frustrated I'm going to be locked up in a room by myself for 10 days, but that's part of the process," he said. "It's probably developing, I'm probably very much in the early stages — but I'm more worried about being in a room by myself to be honest." Barnaby's positive result comes just hours after Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet were told to monitor for Covid symptoms, after the Bathurst 1000 Supercar races were listed as an exposure site. The Prime Minister and NSW Premier were among thousands of people at Mount Panorama for the Great Race on Sunday, where there has been at least three positive cases. “I was informed early this afternoon that I’m not a close contact,” Mr Perrottet said on Wednesday. “But obviously, for those people who have been to Bathurst and have symptoms, they need to get tested. And, if there is advice from NSW Health, then they need to follow that advice.” The McPhillamy Park Campground, The Paddock Campground, Harris Park, Merchandise Alley, National Motor Racing Museum, and Inside Chase viewing area have all been listed as venues of concern. Barnaby Joyce, Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet are all fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Image credits: Getty Images

News

The funniest reactions to Perrottet’s baby announcement

Newly-minted NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced on Sunday night that he and his wife Helen are expecting their seventh child, a girl, due next year. Posting to Facebook, Perrottet wrote, “Exciting family news. “Our family photo wall is going to need another frame! Helen and I are thrilled to announce we have a little girl due next year. “With five sisters already, William is looking on the bright side - more bench depth on the family basketball team.” In addition to well wishes, many people saw the opportunity to rib the Premier about the number of children he and his wife have had. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Waiting for Josh Frydenberg to ask Dan Andrews why he only has 3 kids when Dom Perrottet is about to have 7 — Thor (@thunderson23) <a href="https://twitter.com/thunderson23/status/1449697699960279049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> Some social media users pointed out how different the response might be if the Premier were a woman; anyone who remembers the commentary around Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s marital and parental status will understand that frustration. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> So, if Dominic Perrottet was a woman, we'd be questioning how he was going to run a state with a new bub...let alone having 7 young kids total... Amirite?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManPinions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManPinions</a> — No one, because nobody cares (@gabs247) <a href="https://twitter.com/gabs247/status/1449867186999201795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> One Facebook commenter wrote, “How is he going to balance a newborn and his job as Premier? Why didn’t he think this through before signing up? Wow, journalists should have asked him if he was planning on having a baby whilst in office, then no one would have chosen him as premier. Silly little boy, keep your legs closed.” while another said, “Trying to have it all, I see. Maybe he should take a break from his job to focus better on his family”. While some saw the opportunity for political humour and ran with it… <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Atleast in 19 years time he’ll be able to use his children for all the branch stacking 😂 — Patrick Malone (@pattymalone2000) <a href="https://twitter.com/pattymalone2000/status/1449668654128267271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Dominic Perrottet has announced his wife is pregnant with their seventh child. He is a Liberal but his wife has always been in Labour. 🤔🤔🤔🥴🥴🥴🥴 — Barry Mulligan (@BazzaCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BazzaCC/status/1449867488104050689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> ...others seized their chance to be a bit more crude. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> He doesn’t put the Dom in condom — BEERBOY-182 🍹 (@beerboy182) <a href="https://twitter.com/beerboy182/status/1449679608668852225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> Perrottet and his wife already have six children - five girls and one boy. When asked earlier this month how he would juggle being Premier with family responsibilities, he acknowledged it would be demanding, and that finding a balance was a struggle for every working parent. He added, “Ultimately, what I might lose in time, I gain in perspective”. Image: Dominic Perrottet/Facebook

Family & Pets

Hold your horses! Scott Morrison reins in Perrottet

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dampened plans to open New South Wales “to the world”, after NSW Premier Dominic Perrotet made a surprising announcement on Friday morning. Mr Perrotet shared that fully-vaccinated tourists and Australians looking to enter the state would no longer need to complete hotel quarantine from November 1. But, arrivals must have had jabs of an approved vaccine and received negative COVID test results on departure and arrival. “This decision is a big one, but it is the right one,” Perrotet said during Friday’s press conference. “We need to rejoin the world. We can’t live here in a hermit kingdom. We want people back.” However, his plans to reopen the state were squashed by the Prime Minister later that afternoon. Mr Morrison confirmed that only Australian citizens, residents, and their immediate families would be allowed to skip hotel quarantine initially. “I want to stress that, for the other states and territories and I have advised the premiers and chief ministers to this end, it is about Australian residents and citizens first,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/prime-minister-blocks-nsw-plan-to-welcome-back-tourists-to-sydney-but-quarantine-will-lifted-for-australian-citizens--c-4244707" target="_blank">he said</a>. “The Commonwealth Government has made no decision to allow other visa holders … to come to Australia under these arrangements. “They are decisions for the Commonwealth Government and when we are in a position to make that decision down the track, obviously in New South Wales, they will be able to do so if they are vaccinated without having to quarantine.” Following Mr Perrotet’s announcements, sources from the Federal Government told news.com.au they were “surprised” and insisted that the decision was up to the Commonwealth. “NSW don’t choose how we open up the borders and to whom,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10094509/NSWs-international-border-announcement-sparks-confusion-no-word-Scott-Morrison.html" target="_blank">one source said</a>. The airline industry was also taken aback by the announcement, with airlines proceeding to try and fill 6,000 seats on weekly flights to Sydney. An industry source told Guardian Australia: “We’ve been caught by surprise on this, we’ve had zero consultation it was happening today.” Mr Perrotet also encouraged returning Australians to stop by Sydney, saying he could not control the quarantine requirements of other states and territories. “If you’re a returning Australian and you want to come here, stay in New South Wales and stay in Sydney,” he said. “Have a great time and spend up big.” Australia is expected to reopen once 80 percent of over-16s have been fully vaccinated, according to the national reopening plan that all states and territories agreed to in August. This would trigger a “gradual opening of inward and outward travel with safe countries”, rather than an immediate reopening to vaccinated people from any country. Images: Getty Images

News

Ben Fordham blasts deputy premier over broken promises

Radio host Ben Fordham has blasted the NSW deputy premier Paul Toole over sudden changes to travel restrictions. On Thursday, the newly formed state crisis cabinet backflipped on their plan to allow Sydneysiders to travel to regional parts of NSW once the 80 percent vaccine milestone was met. Appearing on Ben's 2GB morning show on Friday, Mr Toole confirmed that the date has been changed to November 1st. The sudden change has sparked outrage, as families and friends across the state are desperate to be reunited with their loved ones. “I know it’s frustrating and I know it’s not an easy decision being made, but we have a responsibility to keep our regional communities safe,” Mr Toole said. Ben argued that “people have had all the time in the world to get vaccinated”. “Why does it matter when we’ve hit 80 per cent?” he asked. “It’s the quicker the better. I don’t know how many broken promises there are on regional travel. I can’t keep up.” Allowing Sydneysiders to visit other NSW regions was originally promised when the state achieved the 70 percent milestone, but then was pushed back to 80 percent. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday argued that the state achieved the 80 per cent target far earlier than anticipated, which had sparked concerns among regional leaders as rural NSW communities catch up to vaccine rates. Mr Toole echoed those comments on Friday. “We achieved that target of 80 per cent vaccination quicker than we thought. We thought it would still be a couple of weeks away,” Mr Toole said, before later arguing that the road map had been a clear path. Fordham argued that the people of NSW felt “dudded” by the decision and pushed Mr Toole to confess to breaking a promise. “Do you agree that it’s a broken promise?” he asked. Mr Toole tried to argue that there had been changes to the road map, but Fordham pushed him again. “Do you agree that it’s a broken promise? Yes or no?" “I actually think the road map we’ve put forward has had plenty of changes all the way through,” Mr Toole said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> What a joke. Absolutely pathetic. First they said 70% there would be travel between regional and greater Sydney, then they said 80% and now they move it back a week every day. People who aren’t vaccinated by now probably aren’t getting vaccinated. — Luke Jarvis (@lukethorotek) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukethorotek/status/1448754140818010138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2021</a></blockquote> At Friday's NSW Covid-19 press conference, premier Dom Perrottet also announced new <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/regional-travel-pushed-back-to-november-1/news-story/b34dbba46b81e2247950318960111666" target="_blank">changes to the roadmap as of November 1st</a>. From that date, international travellers entering New South Wales will not be required to quarantine in hotels upon entry, as Dom declared hotel quarantine "a thing of the past". In addition to these changes, returning travellers also won't be required to complete any home quarantine before they can explore the state. These new restrictions are only in place for those who are fully vaccinated, until the state opens up for everyone in December. Image credits: 2GB

Travel Trouble

Perrottet criticised for failing to provide Auslan interpreters

Dominic Perrottet is facing criticism after it was pointed out he has made multiple appearances in his official capacity as Premier of NSW without making use of an Auslan interpreter for deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the community. This includes Monday’s ‘Freedom Day’ press conference from Watson’s Pub in Moore Park. The absence of an interpreter was first noted by deaf activist Sherrie Beaver on Twitter, who said a source had told her Perrottet had cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences. She also stressed the importance of COVID-19 information being readily accessible to all, writing, “By being able to access information about changing COVID-19 restrictions in Auslan, Deaf people will be able to acclimate to the new COVID normal. Without access to information in Auslan, how will they be able to adjust life post-lockdown? Huge impact on their mental health!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> With Sydney exiting lockdown today, I have noticed there wasn't an Auslan interpreter present at this morning's presser with <a href="https://twitter.com/Dom_Perrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dom_Perrottet</a> - same for the last few days. Source tells me Perrottet cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences. — Sherrie Beaver (@isigniwander) <a href="https://twitter.com/isigniwander/status/1447363711161622531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> Speaking to the Australian, Beaver said, “Having Auslan interpreters present at press conferences gives deaf people access to important information, so they are able to make informed decisions and lead full lives, especially during the pandemic and being able to adhere to changing Covid-19 restrictions. Captions are not wholly reliable due to several reasons, but mainly technical because captions can fail and often lags. “Deaf people are often not familiar with jargons and terminology used in pressers, which is another reason why Auslan interpreters are important.” Auslan is its own language with its own jargon and slang, and its grammar and vocabulary are quite different from English. According to the 2016 census, there are 10,000 native speakers in Australia, with many more speaking it as a second language. While not all deaf or hard-of-hearing people speak Auslan, providing an interpreter at government press conferences for those who do is an important way to ensure they feel like included and respected members of the community, and to ensure they have access to the same information at the same time as everyone else. An ABC journalist then reached out to NSW Health, and was told by a spokesperson that as NSW starts to return to normal, there will be a range of media events, some of which may include the services of an Auslan interpreter, and some which may not. The spokesperson emphasised that when Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant would be speaking, an Auslan interpreter would always be requested. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "NSW Health will also request an Auslan interpreter at any press conference where the Chief Health Officer or Deputy is providing a public health update." — Celina Edmonds (@celina_edmonds) <a href="https://twitter.com/celina_edmonds/status/1447458472270856198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> The group Australian Lawyers for Human Rights echoed Beaver’s sentiments, tweeting, “COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability<a href="https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj">https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/deafaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deafaustralia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeafAustNSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeafAustNSW</a> — Aus Law Human Rights (@AusLawyersHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusLawyersHR/status/1447443106572357636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> In addition to not using Auslan interpreters at media events on Sunday and Monday, Perrottet did not utilise the services of one at an event on Tuesday morning about his government’s plan to support small businesses impacted by lockdowns. Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Hearing

Perrottet declares lockdowns "a thing of the past"

New NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has declared lockdowns a thing of the past, as residents take full advantage of stay-at-home orders being lifted on ‘Freedom Day’, after 106 days in lockdown, almost 63,000 COVID-19 cases and 431 deaths. This means that cafes, restaurants, gyms, pools, non-essential retail, hairdressers and beauticians are now open to those who are fully vaccinated, and people will be allowed to travel outside their 5km radius or LGA. About the lifting of lockdown restrictions, Perrottet told Sunrise on Monday, “It is a major step and there’s going to be challenges as we go through this period. I think we are the first state in the country that’s got this system in place as we open up, so I just ask everybody to be patient, treat everyone with kindness and respect, you will have a lot of young people pulling beers, serving tables. “There will be challenges here as we work through it, but I think everybody across the state is pretty excited for what’s been a long 100 days.” Perrottet said the ending of lockdown was the result of the “efforts of everyone across NSW”, with the state hitting 70% double-dose vaccinated last week, and 90% single-dose over the weekend. “We set out from the start with vaccination being key to us opening up, and to be on track with everybody making those efforts to get the second dose for the 90 per cent of people who’ve already gone down that path, then I don’t believe we need to go backwards,” Perrottet said. “We followed the federal government’s national plan and that means at times there may be the need for targeted restrictions on certain places, there may be cases with a school or certain local areas that we might need to target some restrictions if case numbers increase at certain times, but in terms of statewide lockdowns I think they will be a thing of the past.” Many are anxious about restrictions easing, including hospitality workers who will be required to check people’s vaccination statuses until December 1st when the same rules will apply regardless of whether someone has been vaccinated or not. Lucy, a 34-year-old bartender, <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/nsw-leads-country-out-of-pandemic-as-lockdown-ends-for-vaccinated-residents-c-4200596" target="_blank">told AAP</a>, “a lot of people are angry about having to get vaccinated and I worry they will try to make a point at the door.” Her workplace is not hiring a security guard to conduct vaccination status checks in order to cut costs after months without trading. Others with concerns include frontline healthcare workers like <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/nsw-paramedic-reacts-to-freedom-day-she-says-scariest-part-of-covid-pandemic-still-to-come-c-4200578" target="_blank">Alex</a>, who started working as a paramedic last month. She told AAP, “This is the scariest part of the pandemic so far. Everyone’s so f***ing terrified, all of us in the southwest. “Look at London - hundreds of people are dying a week and they’re just going about it like there’s no problem. I don’t think Australia is ready for that.” Around <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-11/freedom-day-nsw-economy-life-post-covid-lockdown/100523102" target="_blank">90% of the UK population</a> over the age of 16 has received one dose of the vaccine, and about 80% have received both – NSW is expected to reach similar numbers within the next two weeks. Despite this, cases in the UK are currently at over 40,000 per day, largely driven by a spread amongst unvaccinated children. The relatively low rates of hospitalisation and deaths, however, suggest that the vaccine is doing its job. Image: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

News

NSW Deputy Premier counters claims road map changes weren’t endorsed

Paul Toole, New South Wales’ new Deputy Premier, has hit back at claims that chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant did not endorse changes made to the state’s road map out of lockdown. Mr Toole argued against claims that Dr Chant didn’t support <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-relief-dom-outlines-massive-changes-to-nsw-roadmap" target="_blank">Premier Dominic Perrottet’s changes</a> to mask rules, caps on gatherings, and a fast-tracked return to face-to-face schooling. Appearing on Sunrise on Friday, Mr Toole <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/australia-covid-news-live-restrictions-lockdown-and-cases/news-story/b4a97b9f7558c21d673e46e2673a9bae" target="_blank">told Natalie Barr</a>, “no, that’s not the case”. “It was endorsed by Kerry Chant and it was endorsed by NSW Health,” he continued. “We had a crisis cabinet the day before and Kerry Chant was in that meeting. We don’t make decisions without the support of NSW Health and Dr Kerry Chant.” The clarification comes as other health experts express concerns over the changes, with worries that the state could be put at risk. Dr Omar Khorshid, president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), said he was “very concerned” about the change to NSW’s approach and the “potential sidelining of public health advice”. Dr Khorshid said the absence of Dr Chant when the changes were announced and the renaming of the Crisis Cabinet as the Economic Recovery Committee suggests that health advice will “no longer guide the NSW government”. “The ultimate outcomes of opening too fast or too early will be avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns and other restrictions - things no-one NSW wants to see,” he <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/nsw-deputy-premier-hits-back-at-claims-chief-health-officer-didnt-endorse-changes-c-4179043" target="_blank">said</a>. “If the NSW ‘Covid and Economy Recovery Committee’ moves to open the economy faster than is advised by health experts and the modelling, they will ultimately be held accountable for the impacts of those decisions, including potentially excess deaths, overwhelmed hospitals and the economic catastrophe that would accompany further lockdowns. Mr Toole acknowledged the concerns of health experts, arguing the decision will have to balance safety and the economy. “I think it’s important we get the balance right between keeping people safe but also opening up the economy,” he said. “We have always said there is going to be an increase in cases. We’re going to have to live with the virus. “It’s going to be part of our community and part of society, but we still need to make sure we’re not complacent, we’re following the rules. “I know people are looking forward to starting to see some freedoms again on Monday October 11.” Dr Khorshid said the AMA is “concerned” about the change in leadership after <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/no-option-bombshell-gladys-resignation-amid-anti-corruption-probe" target="_blank">Gladys Berejiklian stepped down as premier</a> last week, saying the “decisions taken in NSW” may “signal a very different approach”. “The AMA supports opening-up, but it must be done wisely and cautiously, with the ability to pause and assess the impact of lifting restrictions, before moving to the next stage,” he said. “To do otherwise risks far too much.” Image: Getty Images, @paultoolemp / Instagram

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"He's not allowed": Why Kyle has banned Perrottet from coming on the show

Just hours after Dominic Perrottet landed the top job of NSW premier, radio host Kyle Sandilands banned him from the KIIS FM show. While Kyle and co-host Jackie O were speaking with a celebrity psychic live on air, Kyle made the bold claims about the new premier. The trio were discussing widespread concerns about the premier's conservative views, with psychic Georgina Walker calling him a "strong leader", before predicting it is unlikely he will be popular within the state. During the segment, Kyle announced he didn't like Perrottet's "vibe". “Oh this guy’s gotta go, he’s never allowed on the show guys, just so you know,” he told listeners. “He’s not allowed, I don’t want that rubbish.” Ms Walker said the new Premier would “reform quite hard”. “I do tend to think his own personal ideology could see some significant changes in the laws to come,” she told the radio hosts. “I think he will be a really good leader, but I think he will ruffle a lot of feathers in regard to his strong religious belief centres." “He’s not into gay marriage (and) he doesn’t believe in abortion.” “What do you get when you look at that man’s photo?” Sandilands asked Ms Walker. Georgina said he would be a strong leader and would not be “soft” or as “supportive” as Gladys Berejiklian when it came to certain social issues. “If you look at things that Gladys was soft on or was supportive (of), you’re not going to get that from him,” Ms Walker said. “It’s going to be tough when he’s made up his mind. But I do tend to think there’s no other person who can do what he needs to do, but he won’t be that popular.” Georgina Walker also made some surprising predictions about the future of Gladys Berejiklian. “I think she’ll get out of it (ICAC investigation) and I think she will go into federal politics.” Image credits: Getty Images

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"Major relief": Dom outlines massive changes to NSW roadmap

Just days after being appointed as NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet has made major changes to the state's roadmap to freedom after over 100 days in lockdown. The big changes include an increase in the number of people allowed to gather together outside and a doubling in the household visitor cap, as NSW prepared for "freedom day" on Monday. Many NSW school children will be able to return to the classroom earlier than expected, as face-to-face learning will resume on October 25th. <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will still return on October 18th, as students in year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will return a week earlier than expected, joining years 2, 6 and 11 on October 25th. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> "That's great for kids. It's a major relief for parents and their sanity and I think this is an important decision today and I want to thank all the teachers who are are there getting vaccinated to ensure that we can open our schools as safely as possible," Mr Perrottet said. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Restrictions for gatherings will also be more relaxed than Gladys Berejiklian's plans, with up to 10 visitors, not counting children 12 and under, will be allowed to a in homes, instead of five. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> The cap on outdoor gathering has been raised from 20 to 30 people, while funerals and weddings are able to have 100 guests rather than 50. </div> Indoor swimming pools were originality remaining closed until December 1st, but will now be open for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities. </div> <div class="block-content"> Deputy Premier Stuart Ayres has announced workers in regional areas can return to their job from Monday if they have had at least one vaccine dose. </div> <div class="block-content">"They'll be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second," he said. </div> <div class="block-content"> <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> "This has been done because in some areas it was difficult to be able to get vaccines." </div> </div> <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> This will include regional areas outside the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour and Wollongong. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Other changes have been made for when the state reaches the 80 percent double dose mark, which Mr Perrottet predicted would be "in a couple of weeks". </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Once this milestone is reached, people will be able to have up to 20 visitors in their home (excluding children aged 12 and under), while up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Masks will no longer be required in office buildings, and up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> In addition to this, nightclubs will reopen for seated drinking only, as Mr Perrottet wished to offer some normality for young people. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> "Young people have done it pretty tough during this period of time," he said. </div> </div> <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> "This is, for many, the best years of their life, at 18, 19, and they haven't been go out, go clubbing and doing that. </div> </div> <div class="block-content"> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> "I want to thank them. And we'll get those clubs open as quickly as possible." </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Mr Perrottet had already confirmed no extra changes will be made ahead of "freedom day" on Monday, when pubs, restaurants and shops will open, along with an easing of other restrictions. </div> <div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> Image credits: Getty Images </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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Dominic Perrottet is the new Premier of NSW

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has won a NSW Liberal party room vote for the position of party leader, making him the next Premier of New South Wales. Perrottet won with 39 votes to Planning Minister Rob Stokes’ five, and Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres was elected unopposed as deputy Liberal leader. The vote followed Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation as party leader on Friday, which itself followed the announcement of an ICAC investigation into the question of whether Berejiklian breached public trust during her secret relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire. Perottet will be the 46th Premier of NSW, and the fourth Liberal Premier since 2011, succeeding Barry O’Farrell, Mike Baird, and Gladys Berejiklian. Perrottet is from the right-wing of the Liberal Party, and has been endorsed by <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-best-person-john-howard-backs-dominic-perrottet-for-nsw-premier-20211002-p58wnz.html">former Prime Minister John Howard</a>. Perrottet represents the electoral district of Epping, which includes the suburbs of Beecroft, Cheltenham, Cherrybrook, North Epping, as well as parts of Epping, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Dural, Eastwood, Pennant Hills and West Pennant Hills. Perottet himself was raised in West Pennant Hills and went to school in Dural and Castle Hill before attending the University of Sydney, where he was active in student politics. Perrottet is a devout Catholic, and has said of his religious views, “I think having a Christian faith is part of who I am and inspires me to make a difference wherever I go.” In 2019, he was the most senior member of the NSW government to oppose the decriminalisation of abortion. Despite this, reports have suggested he will support a conscience vote on the issue of voluntary assisted dying. In the days leading up to Tuesday’s party room vote, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/04/conservative-warrior-economic-reformer-premier-meet-dominic-perrottet-nsws-likely-next-leader">2016 Facebook post Perrottet made</a> following the successful election of Donald Trump was widely circulated. In the post, Perrottet welcomed Trump’s win as “a victory for people who have been taken for granted by the elites”, going on to write, “If you support stronger borders, you are not a racist. If you want a plebiscite on same-sex marriage, you are not a homophobe.” Despite this, in a speech given later that year, he also criticised what he identified as the failure of mainstream political parties to stop the rise of populists like Trump. He criticised the Republican Party for embracing an “elite big business agenda” that had “shut out their base” and failed to respond to the “growing disillusionment around them”. Image: Bianca De Marchi - Pool/Getty Images

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Government prepared to hand out restaurant vouchers to families

The NSW government may hand out restaurant vouchers to families in a bid to boost the economy. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/coronavirus-mealticket-plan-to-get-economy-cooking/news-story/9806e3f5f422b7a4e188d7bd8b8a1e1f" target="_blank">The Australian</a> first reported the scheme, claiming it would be a part of the state’s budget plan. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is reportedly considering the plan and a decision will be made in the coming weeks. The proposal is set to cost about $500 million and vouchers would only be given to residents older than 18. Families will receive the full voucher amount and single person households will receive $50. Speaking to 2GB’s Ben Fordham, Gladys Berejiklian said she could not confirm or deny whether the voucher scheme will go ahead. “We are still putting finishing touches on the budget,” she said on Friday morning. “But I want (people) to be assured of one thing … we get how tough it is for a lot of people at the moment. “We’re hoping to take care of everybody who’s going through those difficult times,” the Premier added in reference to the NSW budget. The measure has reportedly already been signed off by the government’s Expenditure Review Committee, which is chaired by Mr Perrottet. However the decision is yet to be put to cabinet, the publication reported. The state’s COVID-19 budget will be handed down on November 17.

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