Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday.&nbsp;The now 40-year-old Perrottet, who is New South Wales (NSW) premier, revealed the years-old incident after he received a call two days earlier from a colleague about the controversial uniform.&nbsp;

"I am truly sorry for that terrible decision," Perrottet told the media, confessing, "When I was 21, I had my 21st fancy dress party. I wore a Nazi uniform."&nbsp;He said the party's theme was "uniforms".&nbsp;"It was stupid," Perrottet added. 
 
"I am deeply ashamed of what I did and I am truly sorry for the hurt and the pain that this will cause people right across our state and particularly members of the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and their families," he said.&nbsp;

In his apology, the politician said that he was naive at the time and did not understand the significance. He mentioned that he was unaware of the pain that the uniform represented in light of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust.&nbsp; 
 
"It was just a terrible mistake where I, at that age in my life, I just did not understand the gravity and the hurt of what that uniform means to people, not just in our state, but around the country and around the world."

He added that the incident that happened almost 20 years ago is something that has caused him "anxiety" throughout his life.&nbsp;

After his confession, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which represents the Jewish community in the state: "Nazi symbolism is not to be taken lightly and dressing as a Nazi is not a joke."&nbsp;

The statement added: "This incident, no matter how old, is a reminder of the need to continually educate all Australians - and particularly our youth - about the abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime."&nbsp;

Perrottet will face state-wide elections in March and the leader of the state's conservative coalition is facing a tough battle after being in power for 12 years.&nbsp;

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Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday.

Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday. The now 40-year-old Perrottet, who is New South Wales (NSW) premier, revealed the years-old incident after he received a call two days earlier from a colleague about the controversial uniform. "I am truly sorry for that terrible decision," Perrottet told the media, confessing, "When I was 21, I had my 21st fancy dress party. I wore a Nazi uniform." He said the party's theme was "uniforms". "It was stupid," Perrottet added. "I am deeply ashamed of what I did and I am truly sorry for the hurt and the pain that this will cause people right across our state and particularly members of the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and their families," he said. In his apology, the politician said that he was naive at the time and did not understand the significance. He mentioned that he was unaware of the pain that the uniform represented in light of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust. "It was just a terrible mistake where I, at that age in my life, I just did not understand the gravity and the hurt of what that uniform means to people, not just in our state, but around the country and around the world." He added that the incident that happened almost 20 years ago is something that has caused him "anxiety" throughout his life. After his confession, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which represents the Jewish community in the state: "Nazi symbolism is not to be taken lightly and dressing as a Nazi is not a joke." The statement added: "This incident, no matter how old, is a reminder of the need to continually educate all Australians - and particularly our youth - about the abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime." Perrottet will face state-wide elections in March and the leader of the state's conservative coalition is facing a tough battle after being in power for 12 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian politician apologises, says it was ‘terrible’ decision to wear Nazi uniform on 21st b’day party

Australian website news.com.au has reported that the claims made by New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet about offering a lucrative overseas job to Transport Minister David Elliott have been denied by the latter.

Conceding that they discussed options for a parliamentary secretary trade role in “private discussions”, Elliott told the website that the remaining allegations are “untrue and offensive”.

Citing government sources, the website had previously reported that Perrottet discussed the option of a parliamentary secretary role for Elliott if he left politics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-south-wales-premier-announces-installation-of-third-flagpole-on-sydney-harbour-bridge-for-aboriginal-flag-489690">Also read |&nbsp;New South Wales premier announces installation of third flagpole on Sydney Harbour Bridge for Aboriginal flag</a>

Labor has seized on the fresh allegations of jobs for mates as the NSW Government braces for the evidence of former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro over his appointment to a $500,000 New York trade role.

Prompting a race between Transport Minister David Elliott and Treasurer Matt Kean for the deputy’s job, the Barilaro saga has triggered the resignation of deputy Liberal leader Stuart Ayres.

According to Perrottet, ''A number of those jobs did not exist because I create parliamentary secretary roles every reshuffle we have. They are private conversations and very normal conversations for a premier to have.''

Announcing that he will scrap the Trade Commissioner roles if he wins the next state election, NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns said they were created two years ago and the salary paid is over $400,000 a year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australian website news.com.au has reported that the claims made by New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet about offering a lucrative overseas job to Transport Minister David Elliott have been denied by the latter.

Australian website news.com.au has reported that the claims made by New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet about offering a lucrative overseas job to Transport Minister David Elliott have been denied by the latter. Conceding that they discussed options for a parliamentary secretary trade role in “private discussions”, Elliott told the website that the remaining allegations are “untrue and offensive”. Citing government sources, the website had previously reported that Perrottet discussed the option of a parliamentary secretary role for Elliott if he left politics. Also read | New South Wales premier announces installation of third flagpole on Sydney Harbour Bridge for Aboriginal flag Labor has seized on the fresh allegations of jobs for mates as the NSW Government braces for the evidence of former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro over his appointment to a $500,000 New York trade role. Prompting a race between Transport Minister David Elliott and Treasurer Matt Kean for the deputy’s job, the Barilaro saga has triggered the resignation of deputy Liberal leader Stuart Ayres. According to Perrottet, ''A number of those jobs did not exist because I create parliamentary secretary roles every reshuffle we have. They are private conversations and very normal conversations for a premier to have.'' Announcing that he will scrap the Trade Commissioner roles if he wins the next state election, NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns said they were created two years ago and the salary paid is over $400,000 a year. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

NSW premier crisis deepens, transport minister denies claim that Perrottet offered him lucrative job overseas

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday that as part of a "healing process" and reconciliation efforts with Australia's indigenous community the Aboriginal flag will fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

At the top of the landmark bridge, the Australian flag and New South Wales state flag will fly alongside the distinctive black, red and yellow flag.

The Aboriginal flag, flown from government buildings and embraced by sporting clubs and athletes of Aboriginal heritage, was recognised as an official flag of Australia since 1995.

It comes after Australia's centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during his election campaign, promised a referendum on giving Aboriginal Australians an institutional role in policymaking.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-end-long-running-dispute-australian-government-buys-rights-to-aboriginal-flag-447425">Also read |&nbsp;To end long-running dispute, Australian government buys rights to Aboriginal flag</a>

New South Wales, which is Australia's most populous state, will spend $A25 million ($17 million) to permanently install a third flagpole on the bridge by the end of the year to fly the flag.

Seeking to promote better ties between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Perrottet said the move represented a continuation of "the healing process as part of the broader move towards reconciliation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-government-to-pay-over-1-million-to-aboriginal-people-for-racist-programme-439262">Also read |&nbsp;Australian government to pay over $1 million to Aboriginal people for 'racist' programme</a>

He told reporters during a press conference in Sydney that It's an important decision that we've made, I think it brings unity to our country and it's a small price to pay for that unification."

Resolving a commercial dispute that had limited sporting teams and Aboriginal communities from reproducing the image, the federal government this year acquired copyright to the Aboriginal flag so it could be freely used.

First raised in 1971 at a land rights rally in the state of Victoria, the flag's colours represent the Aboriginal people and their spiritual connection to the land.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday that as part of a "healing process" and reconciliation efforts with Australia's indigenous community the Aboriginal flag will fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday that as part of a "healing process" and reconciliation efforts with Australia's indigenous community the Aboriginal flag will fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the top of the landmark bridge, the Australian flag and New South Wales state flag will fly alongside the distinctive black, red and yellow flag. The Aboriginal flag, flown from government buildings and embraced by sporting clubs and athletes of Aboriginal heritage, was recognised as an official flag of Australia since 1995. It comes after Australia's centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during his election campaign, promised a referendum on giving Aboriginal Australians an institutional role in policymaking. Also read | To end long-running dispute, Australian government buys rights to Aboriginal flag New South Wales, which is Australia's most populous state, will spend $A25 million ($17 million) to permanently install a third flagpole on the bridge by the end of the year to fly the flag. Seeking to promote better ties between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Perrottet said the move represented a continuation of "the healing process as part of the broader move towards reconciliation." Also read | Australian government to pay over $1 million to Aboriginal people for 'racist' programme He told reporters during a press conference in Sydney that It's an important decision that we've made, I think it brings unity to our country and it's a small price to pay for that unification." Resolving a commercial dispute that had limited sporting teams and Aboriginal communities from reproducing the image, the federal government this year acquired copyright to the Aboriginal flag so it could be freely used. First raised in 1971 at a land rights rally in the state of Victoria, the flag's colours represent the Aboriginal people and their spiritual connection to the land. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

New South Wales premier announces installation of third flagpole on Sydney Harbour Bridge for Aboriginal flag

Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear".

"There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases.

Amid increased hospitalisations, Perrottet said 26 of the 33 people who were in intensive care were unvaccinated.&nbsp;Perrottet resisted calls for stiffer COVID-19 restrictions amid rising cases in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-allows-vaccinated-non-citizens-to-enter-amid-omicron-threat-437153">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia allows vaccinated non-citizens to enter amid Omicron threat</a>

"The numbers do not lie. Getting vaccinated protects you and your family, the numbers speak for themselves,” he said as he urged people to take the booster shots.

Australia has made booster doses eligible for people five months after they take their second dose. In New South Wales masks are required in public transport.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia reports first Omicron COVID-19 variant case

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The country has so far vaccinated over 90 per cent of its population with the Delta variant surging nationwide.

As COVID-19 cases continued to rise, Victoria recorded 1,302 new coronavirus cases and the Northern Territory reported three new cases just days after it reopened its domestic borders to fully vaccinated people.

In Queensland, a university graduation ceremony event held on December 13 was identified as a COVID-19 cluster with 15 confirmed virus cases although health authorities expect more cases to emerge with some Omicron cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-wont-be-able-to-meet-booster-campaign-target-reports-438091">Also Read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-wont-be-able-to-meet-booster-campaign-target-reports-438091" hreflang="en">Australia won't be able to meet booster campaign target: Reports</a>

Australia has so far recorded &nbsp;255,000 COVID-19 cases and&nbsp;2,146 fatalities however it has witnessed a surge in cases in the past few months as authorities have struggled to halt the Delta surge.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to meet state leaders this week to discuss the response to the pandemic as he suggested a “sensible, common sense” approach to the pandemic.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said.

Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases. Amid increased hospitalisations, Perrottet said 26 of the 33 people who were in intensive care were unvaccinated. Perrottet resisted calls for stiffer COVID-19 restrictions amid rising cases in the state. Also Read: Australia allows vaccinated non-citizens to enter amid Omicron threat "The numbers do not lie. Getting vaccinated protects you and your family, the numbers speak for themselves,” he said as he urged people to take the booster shots. Australia has made booster doses eligible for people five months after they take their second dose. In New South Wales masks are required in public transport. Watch: Australia reports first Omicron COVID-19 variant case The country has so far vaccinated over 90 per cent of its population with the Delta variant surging nationwide. As COVID-19 cases continued to rise, Victoria recorded 1,302 new coronavirus cases and the Northern Territory reported three new cases just days after it reopened its domestic borders to fully vaccinated people. In Queensland, a university graduation ceremony event held on December 13 was identified as a COVID-19 cluster with 15 confirmed virus cases although health authorities expect more cases to emerge with some Omicron cases. Also Read | Australia won't be able to meet booster campaign target: Reports Australia has so far recorded 255,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,146 fatalities however it has witnessed a surge in cases in the past few months as authorities have struggled to halt the Delta surge. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to meet state leaders this week to discuss the response to the pandemic as he suggested a “sensible, common sense” approach to the pandemic. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus