Dominic Perrottet: 'This election was truly a race to the top', concession speech - 2023

25 March 2023, Sydney New South Wales, Australia

Friends, thank you so much for being here this evening. A short while ago, I called Chris Minns to congratulate him and the Labor Party on their election victory. The people of New South Wales, the great people of New South Wales tonight have decided to elect a Labor government in this state.

And that is a decision that we respect. I particularly tonight want to acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition. Elections can get ugly, but I believe this election truly was a race to the top, a genuine battle of ideas. And that's when politics is at its best. And in many ways that is due to Chris Minns and the way that he's carried himself throughout this campaign. And that's why I truly believe and have no doubt that he will make a fine 47th Premier of New South Wales, because I believe that he will lead with the same decency and the same integrity that he has led with so far.

And ultimately, I ask everybody across New South Wales, whatever your political persuasion, to get behind him, to get behind him. Because when New South Wales goes well, our country goes well. And that is something tonight I believe we can all get behind.

Now friends, it goes without saying. I think we all would would've wanted to have a different result this evening. But as a party, we as a government should be very proud of what we have achieved together. And I feel a profound sense of gratitude to have been able to serve the people of New South Wales.

Make no mistake. We've made history, been in government for the longest time since our party was formed, and our government has achieved so much in so many ways. We have kept New South Wales strong, free and fair.

Friends, New South Wales is a much better place today than it was 12 years ago, and that will be the legacy of our Liberal and Nationals government here in our state.

Our record is one of infrastructure, of investment and of imagination. We have rebuilt this state from the ground up with the biggest building agenda since federation. We built the first metros when they said it couldn't be done. Motorways that have changed the face of our city. More schools and hospitals than any government in our history and museums and stadiums befitting this world, class city and Australia's truly only global city.

We have laid also the foundations for a strong future, with three more metros and the second airport opening soon, this will turbocharge and transform our state for generations. And at the same time we've transformed service delivery, with record investments in health, in education, in public transport - not to mention Service New South Wales else.
And we've done the work, our government has done the hard work to keep our economy strong, to keep jobs plentiful. and taxes low, just like good Liberal governments do.
Now friends, when I took this job, I said I wanted to be a premier for families. And we have kept that promise, with record support for families across the board. But we've also dared to imagine a different future, where every child gets access to five days free preschool before they start kindergarten by getting of stamp duty, so that we help first home buyers reach that great Australian dream faster.

In a New South Wales State budget that is not propped up by the rivers of tears from the misery of problem gambling in this state.

Friends. Friends, we leave New South Wales a more stronger, more confident and more successful state than we found it. And we've achieved all of this whilst navigating some of the most difficult times, with droughts and fires and floods, we pushed through the pandemic and led our nation out of lockdown.

Difficult decisions. Difficult decisions, but the right decisions. I particularly want to acknowledge tonight our communities who have been significantly affected by floods. And I want to particularly acknowledge the community in the Northern Rivers. The devastation and the challenges that we saw will stay with me for the rest of my life. But what's more is the selflessness, the generosity, the spirit of service that I saw of our people in those regions in the most difficult times. And sometimes it's through the darkest times that brings out the best. But the values and that spirit that I had the great privilege to witness as Premier of this state, is something that will always be with me for the rest of my life. And it really shows to me how great Australia is and how great our people are.

Friends, tonight, can I say I am very proud to lead my Liberal team, but I stand on the shoulders of those who have come be before me. Barry O'Farrell, Mike Baird, and Gladys Berijiklian. Each of those leaders have left an indelible mark on our great state. Their legacies are strong, and New South Wales is a much better place for their leadership. And from my perspective, I couldn't have asked for better examples of leaders to learn from.
I want to thank my Coalition colleagues, for all the support they have shown me as premier of this state and during the campaign. My deputy and treasurer, Matt Keene, my former former Deputy Stuart Ayres. It doesn't appear that Stuart will have the result that he wanted, or that I wanted, this evening in Penrith, but Stuart can hold his head very high. He has served his community of Penrith incredibly well, and he has served our state with distinction. I want to thank the deputy, the deputy, premier, and leader of the National Party, Paul Toole. it has been a real privilege serving with him and he has been a champion for regional New South Wales, and in what is a difficult night for the Coalition, it has been a strong night for the National Party. And it shows that the National Party is the party of regional New South Wales.

I want to issue a special thank you to all the candidates for the Liberal party who put their hands up to run at this election. I want to particularly thank those who were unsuccessful, but also those who have lost their seats this evening. Politics is tough, but each of those members who weren't successful tonight have served their communities with distinction. And I want to thank them so much for their service to the people of New South Wales.
I want to acknowledge the Liberal Party organisation and particularly pass on my thanks to Chris Stone.

Chris has led a great team at Liberal Party headquarters, and he's run many campaigns, but to be part, for him to be part of this team and the leadership that he has shown, Chris, thank you so very much.

I want to thank all the ministerial and electorate staff who work tirelessly each and every day for the people of New South Wales. Thank you for everything that you have done over the last twelve years.

To all the volunteers, not just in the Liberal Party, but volunteers from all political parties who today spent much of the day handing out pamphlets, supporting our great democracy. Thank you for everything that you've done over the course of the day.

 But to everyone in the Liberal party, I'd say this. This next period of time will not be easy, but it will be necessary. It is a time to reflect. It is a time to rethink and ultimately to renew.
As leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party. I take full responsibility for the loss this evening, and as a result, I will be standing down as the parliamentary leader of the Liberal part. It's very clear, we need a fresh start. We need a fresh start.

We did a fresh start for the liberal party. I want to thank the community of Epping and recognise their continued support. And thank them very much for supporting me at this election. Of all the 90 electorates across the state, Epping is the best. It is. I've had a few. It is the best, because it is my home. And thank you so much for your support.
Last lastly, and most importantly, I want to acknowledge my family, particularly Helen for everything she's done.

Helen is an amazing support. And I could not do this job and serve the people of our state without everything that she does for me and our family every single day. So thank you. To my kids, who should be a asleep, but they're probably not. Charlotte, Amelia, Annabelle, William, Harriet, Beatrice, and Celeste, you're not asleep. So just want to say I love you very much. Thank you for everything.

I want to finish tonight by saying that I didn't get into politics for a job. I got into politics to serve. And I want to thank every person across New South Wales for the great opportunity that you have given me. It has been an absolute honour and privilege, the greatest honour and privilege that I've had in my entire life. Thank you and good night.

Ted Bailieu: 'We could quell these fires with tears', Black Saturday, National Day of Mourning - 2009

22 February 2009, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia

To each and every one of you sharing this quiet. To those in all the towns about. To those in homes, in prayers, in pubs, in hospitals, in city streets. To those in the relief centers, the staging points. To those who have assembled here. To those buried in each other's arms, holding each other's hands, wiping each other's tears. To those trembling still. To the children in wonder. To those who answer the call from far and wide, in yellow, in green, in orange, in blue, in khaki, in white, and under the cross of red. And those still dusted in black.

To those pitching the canvas, those under it, those who have lost homes, lost livelihoods. To family and friends of those who have perished. But most of all, to those who have seen the flames. To those who have been blinded by the darkness of the day, smelled the smoke, heard the roar, and then in turn, been deafened by the silence.

As simple message is, we are as one. Victoria is as one. You have our hearts, you have our hands. We could quell these fires with tears, but tell your stories. Tell your stories and let's lift the sadness together. Victoria at its most ferocious is now at its finest.

Mr Baillieu is a guest on the 39th episode of the Speakola podcast.

Daniel Andrews: 'For the laws we passed. And the lives we ruined' State Apology to Gay Men Convicted Under Unjust Laws - 2016

24 May 2016, Parliament House, Melbourne, Australia

Speaker – it’s never too late to put things right.

It’s never too late to say sorry – and mean it.

That’s what brings us all to the heart of our democracy here, in this Parliament where, over the course of decades, a powerful prejudice was written into law.

A prejudice that ruined lives.

A prejudice that prevails in different ways, even still.

That law was written in our name – as representatives, and as Victorians.

And that law was enforced by the very democratic system to which we call ourselves faithful.

So it is our responsibility to prove that the Parliament that engineered this prejudice can also be the Parliament that ends it.

That starts with acknowledging the offences of the past admitting the failings of the present and building a society, for the future, that is strong and fair and just.

In doing so, Speaker, we’ll have shown this moment to be no mere gesture.

In doing so, we’ll have proven that the dignity and bravery of generations of Victorians wasn’t simply for nought.

And that, I hope, will be the greatest comfort of all.

Speaker, there is no more simple an acknowledgement than this:

There was a time in our history when we turned thousands of ordinary young men into criminals.

And it was profoundly and unimaginably wrong.

That such a thing could have occurred – once, perhaps a century ago – would not surprise most Victorians.

Well, I hold here an article that reports the random arrest of 15 men.

“Police Blitz Catches Homosexuals”, the headline reads.

And said a police officer: “…we just seem to find homosexuals loitering wherever we go.”

This was published in Melbourne’s biggest-selling weekly newspaper – in December 1976.

A decade earlier, in 1967, a local paper said that a dozen men would soon face court for – quote – “morals offences”, and urged the public to report homosexuals to the police with a minimum of delay.

A generation earlier, in 1937, Judge MacIndoe said John, a man in his 20s, was “not quite sane”, and gaoled him for three months on a charge of gross indecency.

In 1936, Jack, a working man from Sale, faced a Melbourne court on the same charge – and he was gaoled for ten years.

This, Speaker, is the society we built.

And it would be easy to blame the courts, or the media, or the police, or the public.

It is easy for us to condemn their bigotry.

But the law required them to be bigoted.

And those laws were struck here, where I stand.

One of those laws even earned the label abominable.

And in 1961 alone, 40 Victorian men were charged with it.

In the same year, a minor offence was created that shook just as many lives.

The penalty was $600 in today’s terms, or one month’s imprisonment.

The charge? ‘Loitering for homosexual purposes.’

This was the offence used to justify that random police blitz in ‘76.

A witness said: “Young policemen were sent…to…entrap suspected homosexuals.”

“[Officers] dressed in swimwear…engaging other men in conversation.”

“When the policeman was satisfied the person was homosexual, an arrest was made.”

When we began this process, Speaker, I expected to be offering an apology to people persecuted for homosexual acts.

But it has become clear to me that the State also persecuted against homosexual thought.

Loitering for homosexual purposes is a thought crime.

And in one summer in 1976, in one location alone, one hundred men were targeted under this violation of thought; something for which there was no possible defence.

All in our lifetimes, Speaker.

In our name.

Young people. Old people. Thousands and thousands of people.

I suppose it’s rare when you can’t even begin to conceive what was on the minds of our forebears in this Place.

But I look back at those statutes and I am dumbfounded.

I can’t possibly explain why we made these laws, and clung to them, and fought for them.

For decades, we were obsessed with the private mysteries of men.

And so we jailed them.

We harmed them.

And, in turn, they harmed themselves.

Speaker, it is the first responsibility of a Government to keep people safe.

But the Government didn’t keep LGBTI people safe.

The Government invalidated their humanity and cast them into a nightmare.

And those who live today are the survivors of nothing less than a campaign of destruction, led by the might of the State.

I had the privilege of meeting with four of those survivors.

One of them was Noel Tovey.

He was sent to Pentridge in 1951.

On more than one occasion in jail, he planned his suicide.

“Max was singing an aria from La Traviata when the police arrived,” he recalled in his book.

I was very naive. I knew having sex with men was against the law but I didn’t understand why it was a crime.

At the hearing, the judge said, “You have been charged with the abominable crime of buggery. How do you plead?”

The maximum sentence was fifteen years.

Afterwards, only two people would talk to me. I couldn’t…get a job. I was a known criminal.

And it’s ironic.

Eventually I would have been forgiven by everyone if I had murdered Max, but no one could forgive me for having sex with him.”

And Noel, in his own words, considers himself “one of the lucky ones.”

I also met Terry Kennedy.

He was 18 when he was arrested.

“When I wanted to go overseas”, Terry told me, “and when I wanted to start my own business, there was always that dreaded question:

“Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?”

I lied, of course.

Then the phone rang…It was an inspector from the St Kilda Police Station. He’d found me out.

With a curse like that always lurking over our heads, we always had to ask ourselves [this question] – just how far can I go today?”

That’s the sort of question which, in some form or another, must have been asked by almost every single LGBTI person.

It is still asked today – by teenagers in the schoolyard; by adults in the family home.

Yes, the law was unjust, but it is wrong to think its only victims were those who faced its sanction.

The fact is: these laws cast a dark and paralysing pall over everyone who ever felt like they were different.

The fact is: these laws represented nothing less than official, state-sanctioned homophobia.

And we wonder why, Speaker – we wonder why gay and lesbian and bi and trans teenagers are still the target of a red, hot hatred.

We wonder why hundreds of thousands of Australians are still formally excluded from something as basic and decent as a formal celebration of love.

And we wonder why so many people are still forced to drape their lives in shame.

Shame: that deeply personal condition, described by Peter McEwan as “the feeling of not being good enough.”

Peter was arrested in 1967.

He soon fled overseas to escape his life.

The fourth man I spoke with last week, Tom Anderson, met his own private terror when he was 14.

For weeks, he was routinely sexually assaulted by his boss – a man in his 40s.

His parents, in all good faith, took Tom down to the Police Station to make a formal statement and get his employer charged.

And he was.

But so was Tom.

This child victim of sexual assault was charged with one count of buggery and two counts of gross indecency.

Can you believe, Speaker, that the year was 1977?

Today, Tom carries with him a quiet bravery that is hard to put into words.

And he told me about the time – one day, just a few years ago – when his home was burgled.

“I’m a grown man”, he said, “but the moment the police came around to inspect the house, and I opened the door…I became that 14-year-old boy again.”

“I couldn’t talk. I was frozen. I was a grown man and I couldn’t talk.”

This was life for innocent people like Tom.

We told them they were fugitives living outside the law.

We gave them no safe place to find themselves – or find each other.

And we made sure they couldn’t trust a soul.

Not even their family.

A life like that. What do you think that does to a human being?

What do you think it does to their ability to find purpose, to hold themselves with confidence to be happy, to be social, to be free?

Don’t tell me that these laws were simply a suppression of sex.

This was a suppression of spirit.

A denial of love.

And it lives on, today.

While the laws were terminated in the 1980s, they still remain next to the names of so many men – most of them dead – a criminal conviction engraved upon their place in history.

I can inform the House that six men have now successfully applied to expunge these convictions from their record.

Many more have commenced the process.

This won’t erase the injustice, but it is an accurate statement of what I believe today:

That these convictions should never have happened.

That the charges will be deleted, as if they never existed.

And that their subjects can call themselves, once again, law-abiding men.

Expungement is one thing, but these victims won’t find their salvation in this alone.

They are each owed hope.

And all four of the men I met told me they only began to find that hope when they met people who were just like them.

Peter McEwan – back in the country, and emerging from years of shame – started meeting weekly with some gay friends at university in 1972.

“We realised we were all outlaws together,” he said, “and we learnt to say that we are good”.

“We learnt to say ‘black is beautiful, women are strong – and gay is good.’”

“Once I learnt I was good, it led me to question everyone who said I was evil and sick.”

“Gay men had taken on board the shame. Through each other we found our pride.”

Then he paused for a second and he said:

“Pride is the opposite of shame.”

He’s right.

Pride is not a cold acceptance; it’s a celebration.

It’s about wearing your colours and baring your character.

The mere expression of pride was an act of sheer defiance.

These people we speak about – they weren’t just fighting for the right to be equal.

They were fighting for the right to be different.

And I want everyone in this state, young or old, to know that you, too, have that right.

You were born with that right.

And being who you are is good enough for me – good enough for all of us.

Here in Victoria, equality is not negotiable.

Here, you can be different from everybody else, but still be treated the same as everybody else.

Because we believe in fairness.

We believe in honesty, too – so we have to acknowledge this:

For the time being, we can’t promise things will be easy.

Tomorrow, a young bloke will get hurt.

Tomorrow, a parent will turn their back on their child.

Tomorrow, a loving couple and their beautiful baby will be met with a stare of contempt.

Tomorrow, a trans woman will be turned away from a job interview.

And tomorrow, a gay teenager will think about ending his own life.

That’s the truth.

There is so much more we need to do to make things right.

Until then, we can’t promise things will be easy.

We can’t guarantee that everyone in your life will respect the way you want to live it.

And we can’t expect you to make what must be a terrifying plunge until you know the time is right.

But just know that whenever that time comes, you have a Government that’s on your side.

You have a Government that is trying to make the state a safer place – in the classroom, in the workplace.

You have a Government that is trying to eradicate a culture of bullying and harassment so that the next generation of children are never old enough to experience it.

You have a Government that sees these indisputable statistics – of LGBTI self-harm, of suicide – and commits to their complete upheaval.

You have a Government that believes you’re free to be who you are, and to marry the person you love.

And you have a Government that knows just one life saved is worth all the effort.

Speaker, as part of this process, I learnt that two women were convicted for offensive behaviour in the 1970s for holding hands – on a tram.

So let me finish by saying this:

If you are a member of the LGBTI community, and there’s someone in your life that you love – a partner or a friend – then do me a favour:

Next time you’re on a tram in Melbourne, hold their hand.

Do it with pride and defiance.

Because you have that freedom.

And here in the progressive capital, I can think of nothing more Victorian than that.

Speaker, it’s been a life of struggle for generations of Victorians.

As representatives, we take full responsibility.

We criminalised homosexual thoughts and deeds. We validated homophobic words and acts.

And we set the tone for a society that ruthlessly punished the different – with a short sentence in prison, and a life sentence of shame.

From now on, that shame is ours.

This Parliament and this Government are to be formally held to account for designing a culture of darkness and shame.

And those who faced its sanction, and lived in fear, are to be formally recognised for their relentless pursuit of freedom and love.

It all started here. It will end here, too.

To our knowledge, no jurisdiction in the world has ever offered a full and formal apology for laws like these.

So please, let these words rest forever in our records:

On behalf of the Parliament, the Government and the people of Victoria.

For the laws we passed.

And the lives we ruined.

And the standards we set.

We are so sorry. Humbly, deeply, sorry.