Dominic Perrottet has marked Freedom Day by saying that Gladys Berejiklian is 'with us in spirit' after the former NSW premier resigned just days before reaching the massive milestone.
Mr Perrottet made the touching remark while marking the end to lockdown and pouring a couple of beers at Watson's Pub in Moore Park on Monday.
He referred to the former premier as 'Glad' saying that it was disappointing she was not present to mark an end to lockdown.
'Glad, as you know, has led us through this pandemic,' Mr Perrottet said. 'And it's a great day for the state.'
'I'm sure we're all disappointed that she's not here to celebrate this great moment with the people of New South Wales.
'It's been a very, very difficult time on government, on her, as the leader. But I know she's here in spirit and you never know, Glad may go out and have a beer herself tonight.'
Dominic Perrottet has marked Freedom Day by saying that Gladys Berejiklian is 'with us in spirit' after the former NSW premier resigned just days before reaching the massive milestone
Mr Perrottet made the touching remark while marking the end to lockdown and pouring a couple of beers at Watson's Pub in Moore Park on Monday
The premier called for patience as tens of thousands of residents are expected to hit retail stores and pubs and restaurants to celebrate the first day of eased restrictions.
'It has been a difficult 100 days but the efforts that people have made right across the state to go out and get vaccinated has enabled this great day to occur,' Mr Perrottet said.
'There is no doubt there will be teething issues and there will be many young people pulling beers today, serving tables at restaurants in cafes, who will be doing this for the first time and adjusting to a new system, so please be patient and look out for them as we move through this period of time.'
Having surpassed a 70 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone early last week, gyms, cafes, restaurants, pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians will reopen and people will be allowed to travel more than five kilometres from home.
NSW deputy premier Paul Toole announced the state was officially 'open'.
'Today, I know there's a lot of hope, there's a lot of optimism out there in our communities,' he said.
'And this is the day we've been all waiting for.'
But as the lockdown ends for most, a 'lockout' of the unvaccinated is in place with only those who have had both jabs able to enjoy the new freedoms.
Business owners and hospitality staff are nervous the risk of transmission is still high, and the risk of abuse from customers is even higher.
Mr Perrottet urged the state's residents to show patience, kindness and respect.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has called for patience as the state emerges from lockdown, amid concerns customer-facing staff could be at risk of abuse from unvaccinated people denied entry to venues
Business owners and hospitality staff are nervous the risk of transmission is still high, and the risk of abuse from customers is even higher
Having surpassed a 70 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone early last week, gyms, cafes, restaurants, pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians will reopen and people will be allowed to travel more than five kilometres from home
'We're the first state in the country that's put these plans in place,' he said.
'There will be challenges and difficulties as we go through this ... but we certainly don't want to be having police moving through cafes and restaurants.
'That's just not the state that I love and know.'
He rejected concerns business owners have been
