Covid-19 vaccine mandates were ‘wrong’, former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet says as he exits politics

Departing Liberal uses valedictory speech to express regret over measure, saying respect for freedom' should have been prioritised

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The former New South Wales Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet has declared Covid-19 vaccine mandates were wrong" and a mistake" in the valedictory speech marking the end of his 13-year career in parliament.

Perrottet formally bowed out of NSW politics on Tuesday after announcing last month he would resign as the member for Epping and move with his family to Washington DC, to work as the US head of corporate and external relations at mining company BHP.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup