Chris Minns lays out priorities as incoming NSW leader

Labor leader and premier designate Chris Minns fronted the cameras today for a post-election media conference, laying out his top priorities for the coming weeks.

But there was also a quick slip when Minns spoke of the issues facing NSW, stating “if we win” – before quickly correcting himself with a smile.

It’s indicative of the surprise scope of Labor’s electoral victory that saw the Coalition turfed from power after 12 years in office.

Minns said the win was a “really humbling experience”.

“The message from the people of NSW is they want us to get to work,” he said.

He said one of the government’s top priorities would be the removal of the wage cap for essential workers, as part of a broader strategy for worker retention, especially in health and education.

The government will aim to increase nursing numbers to one nurse for every three patients, as well as recruit 500 regional paramedics, and convert thousands of teachers on contracts to permanent employees.

The Sydney train network and adding Sydney Water to the NSW Constitution will also be high on the agenda.

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“Regardless of who the people of NSW voted for, or who their local MP is, a Labor government in NSW will work on behalf of everybody in this state,” Minns said.

“The challenges facing this incoming government will be huge.”

Minns attributed the election win to hard work on the ground, with Labor candidates and MPs mingling with their communities.

He praised outgoing premier Dominic Perrottet as “a genuinely lovely person” and praised the way the election campaign had been conducted.

“At least from this election onwards, nobody will be able to say it’s impossible to run a positive and optimistic campaign,” he said.

“I do hold (Perrottet) in high regard. I don’t think this political campaign diminished him at all.”

Minns said he would meet with his senior ministers-elect this afternoon.