A letter to the Jewish community

To the members of the Jewish community:

Today I spoke publicly for the first time about an incident from my past, when I wore a Nazi costume to my 21st birthday party.

To you, the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors and your families, I am deeply sorry.

The choice I made when I was 21 has no doubt caused distress.

There is no excuse for my actions. While I can sincerely say they did not reflect in any way my attitude towards the Jewish community, they did demonstrate my naivety and insensitivity to the pain and trauma experienced by so many because of the vile ideology represented by that costume.

I made the decision to publicly apologise because I wanted to take full responsibility for my decision. I am sorry for my actions, and for the pain they have caused.

With the benefit of many personal friendships and acquaintances, hearing people’s stories first hand, and deepening my understanding of history and the ongoing trauma caused by the Holocaust, I now look back on my decision in 2003 with shame.

While I cannot change that decision, I am resolved to redouble my efforts to combat antisemitism and help young people to avoid making the same mistake I made.

I have sought the advice of the leadership of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to assist me in making sure that we can use my mistake and the lessons I have learned to do more and better when it comes to Holocaust education.

It is my hope that something good can come from this terrible mistake, and I am determined to continue to do everything I can to fight antisemitism and make NSW a safe and welcoming place for all who call it home.

Sincerely
Dominic Perrottet MP.

Dominic Perrottet is the Premier of New South Wales.