Dominic Perrottet
A conservative modernizer who became the youngest Premier of New South Wales, steering the state through the tail-end of a global pandemic.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Premier of New South Wales from 2021 to 2023·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Dominic Perrottet's rise in Australian politics was both rapid and methodical. Entering the New South Wales Parliament at just 28, his background as a lawyer and his deeply held Catholic, conservative values shaped his early identity as a right-wing factional operator. He climbed the ministerial ranks, mastering the treasury portfolio and building a reputation as a fiscal hawk with an eye for reform. In 2021, he seized the premiership not from an election loss, but from the dramatic resignation of his popular predecessor, Gladys Berejiklian. His tenure was dominated by managing the COVID-19 pandemic's complex legacy, championing a push to reopen society and the economy. A father of seven, Perrottet presented a image of next-generation family conservatism, advocating for policies like a universal preschool year while facing controversies over his past social views.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dominic was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dominic Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Dominic's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the 46th Premier of New South Wales from October 2021 until March 2023.
- Held the critical role of Treasurer of New South Wales for over three years prior to becoming Premier.
- Became the leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party in 2021, following Gladys Berejiklian's resignation.
- Was elected to the New South Wales Parliament at age 28, representing the electorate of Castle Hill (later Epping).
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Helen, have seven children.
He is a devoted fan of the American football team the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He once wore a French Revolution-era costume to a charity event, which later drew criticism for its perceived insensitivity.
“Strong budgets and a strong economy are what deliver the essential services people rely on.”
