The former premier of New South Wales Dominic Perrottet has announced his resignation from parliament after more than a decade in state politics.
The Liberal member for Epping said on Friday he would formally resign in mid-August, marking the end of a 13-year career.
Perrottet said he would be moving with his family of nine – he has seven children with his wife Helen – to Washington DC to be the US head of corporate and external relations at the mining company BHP.
“Resources are hugely important to Australia and NSW and BHP is a great Australian and NSW success story,” the 41-year-old said.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to BHP’s global standing and business.”
Perrottet said it had been the “greatest privilege” of his life to serve as premier, treasurer and minister for industrial relations and finance, services and property.
“I love New South Wales,” he said. “It has been an absolute honour to represent the 8 million people who call this great state home, especially as their 46th premier.
“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.”
Perrottet thanked the communities of Castle Hill, Hawkesbury and Epping, whom he represented, and said he would make a valedictory speech when parliament resumed in August.
Perrottet became the youngest premier in the state’s history when, aged 39, he secured the leadership in October 2021 after the shock exit of Gladys Berejiklian.
Her departure came after the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, revealed it was investigating her for failing to report the conduct of her ex-lover, the former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
Perrottet was premier until the March 2023 state election loss and was more progressive than many had expected.
He had been the state’s treasurer under Berejiklian for four years before becoming premier.
Raised a Catholic, he was open about his faith but kept his religion mostly separate from political outcomes.
His unlikely close relationship with Victoria’s then premier Daniel Andrews as the states eased pandemic restrictions was embraced as a political “vibe shift” from the hyper-partisan years of Covid-19 lockdowns.
The strange “bromance” – Andrews was from Labor’s socialist left faction and Perrottet from the Liberals’ right – saw the premiers work together on a string of issues including early education, rapid antigen tests and hospital funding.
“We don’t necessarily agree on everything, but we get along well, in that he’s focused on outcomes and trying to leave the place better than he found it,” Andrews said of Perrottet when interviewed by Guardian Australia in 2022.
Perrottet’s time as premier was not without controversy. Two months before the 2023 election he was forced to reveal he had worn a Nazi uniform to his 21st birthday costume party.
He apologised for the “deeply hurtful” act, describing it as a “terrible mistake” which had “personally anguished” him for most of his life.
Perrottet was gracious in defeat last year, praising the new premier, Labor’s Chris Minns, for engaging in a “race to the top” and a contest of ideas.
Minns paid tribute to his political rival on Friday thanking him for “all that you’ve done for NSW”. “Dom leaves behind a huge legacy in our state both as a reforming treasurer and premier who spearheaded city-shaping projects,” he said.
The leader of the opposition, Mark Speakman, said on Friday that Perrottet had left an “indelible mark” on the state.
“He was a reformer who had a passion for new ideas and imagination for what would make NSW a better place for all,” Speakman said.
“His legacy is one of remarkable achievements and steadfast leadership. His vision and reforms have helped to transform NSW, setting the stage for continued growth and prosperity.”
Speakman pointed to five budget surpluses and the “largest infrastructure program in NSW since federation”, including WestConnex, the new Sydney Football Stadium and the Art Gallery of NSW expansion.
“He helped guide us through the pandemic, championed reopening NSW, created financial support packages for families and small businesses, and swiftly opened international borders with the rest of Australia following, demonstrating his decisive leadership,” the Liberal leader said.
“His retirement marks the end of a career defined by visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the people of NSW. I thank Dom for his tireless service and wish him all the best with his new role.”
The Liberal MP for Wahroonga, Alister Henskens, posted a tribute to his “best mate in parliament” on social media.
“Today Australia is losing the most talented politician of his generation,” he wrote. “Dom has given incredible service and in doing so made big personal sacrifices.”
Perrottet’s departure sets up a second by-election after the former Coalition treasurer Matt Kean resigned in June.
