NSW election 2023 as it happened: Dominic Perrottet, Chris Minns clash in live Channel Nine leaders’ debate

Phew! It’s over. Thanks for joining us as we watched the two leader-hopefuls clash over key issues deciding this election.

There were a few funny moments (host Overton had to remind the leaders to just “take a breath!” and that he, in fact, was in control of the debate) and important discussions over the future of our state.

It included...

• 28 mentions of privatisation;
• 25 mentions of debt;
• 15 mentions of the future;
• 9 mentions of Sydney Water; and
• 8 mentions of tolls.

Tired? Us too. Only 10 more sleeps before we vote.

Our photographer James Brickwood documented the debate as it unfolded.

See his photos below:

After Perrottet’s closing remarks, Minns has a chance to speak.

Minns says: “This election is a choice. A choice that the people of New South Wales have to make to save essential services in NSW.

“Whether it’s schools or hospitals, we need to retain our teachers, our nurses, our paramedics, our police officers. Labor has a plan to do that. We will abolish the wages cap [and] convert 10,000 teachers to permanent jobs in this state. We’ll ensure that there’s one nurse for three patients in our emergency departments.

“We can’t afford four more years like the last four, and the NSW government is not proposing new policies to meet the challenges that our hospital system and our schools are facing.

“The NSW government has been in [power] for 12 years. They’re asking for 16 years in power,” he says. “Their best days are behind them and our most experienced leaders have already departed.”

The premier used his last minutes in the debate to reiterate major infrastructure projects planned by the Coalition as part of their wider economic plan.

“We have got to keep moving forward, and it’s the Liberals and Nationals with the economic plan to do just that,” Perrottet said.

“To continue to grow the economy and the opportunity that provides for everyone across NSW, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and continuing to build infrastructure, not just today, but for generations to come.

“Five new motorways over the next five years, metro trains all the way through to western Sydney. We need to keep building roads and hospitals that will make a difference to people’s lives.”

Perrottet also used his last moments to talk about the Coalition’s promise to give households a $250 rebate on energy bills, and (once again) mention the future fund accounts for children which could leave them with up to $49,000 for education or a first home deposit by the time they turn 18.

In a series of rapid-fire questions from Peter Overton, both leaders are asked about whether former premier Gladys Berejiklian was treated unfairly by the state’s corruption commission, which investigated her conduct as premier while in a secret relationship with MP Daryl Maguire.

They’re only allowed to yes or no. Both say: “No.”

Perrottet’s attitude is a major shift from former prime minister Scott Morrison’s, who called ICAC “a kangaroo court”.

The leaders are also asked about the current captain of the NSW Blues (James Tedesco) and who they think will win the premiership. Perrottet is backing the Tigers, and Minns is going for the Bulldogs. Good luck to them (they’ll need it).

As for the place in Sydney with the best pies? Both gave locations in their electorate.

O’Keefe asks: who has been the better premier, Gladys Berejiklian or Dominic Perrottet?

“That’s for others to make comments,” Perrottet replies. “She was an amazing premier for the stage. She led through some of the darkest times in our state’s history. And I saw first-hand the diligence that she took to that job every single day. And I believe that our state is a much better place because of Gladys Berejiklian’s leadership.”