In his valedictory speech, former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet acknowledged that COVID-19 vaccine mandates were 'wrong' and a 'mistake', reflecting on the government's pandemic response during his tenure. Perrottet emphasized that while vaccines saved lives, the strict enforcement of mandates ultimately infringed on personal freedoms, stating that individuals' choices should not have cost them their jobs. He praised his colleagues for navigating the challenges of the pandemic but highlighted the need for a more balanced approach in future health crises. Perrottet is set to leave politics after 13 years to work for mining giant BHP in Washington, DC. He also called for reforms in Australia's federal system to enhance cooperation between state and federal health services.