New Premier Perrottet is being lauded as a "powerful advocate" for NSW and the steady hand the state needs to lead it out of months of COVID-19 lockdown.
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Liberal MPs on Tuesday elected Mr Perrottet, who has spent more than four years as state treasurer, with Stuart Ayres as his deputy following premier Gladys Berejiklian's resignation on Friday.
Congratulating Mr Perrottet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison praised the 39-year-old as a "powerful advocate" for his home state.
"Dom is also someone who has strong beliefs, a keen commitment to family and the Liberal values that respect reward for effort, personal responsibility and doing what's right by your community," he said in a Facebook post.
"I know the commitment and dedication he will bring to his new role, and the energy he will invest in continuing to deliver for NSW."
The state's peak business lobby group also says it looks forward to working with Mr Perrottet as the state prepares to open up after four months of lockdown in Greater Sydney.
NSW is due to start emerging from the restrictions on Monday after the 70 per cent double COVID-19 vaccination milestone is reached, which is expected to happen on Thursday.
"I am pleased the leadership question has been settled quickly, at a critical time in our state's recovery from the COVID-19 Delta outbreak," Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said.
"Less than a week from reopening, I am confident Premier Perrottet will be the steady hand business needs to approach next Monday with confidence," Mr Hunter said.
"Dominic Perrottet and his team have a big job to do to ensure continuity of leadership for the state and to deliver the roadmap to reopening, and they certainly have the experience to achieve that goal," Mr Hunter said.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes, who was beaten in the leadership vote, congratulated his rival.
"Dom has proven himself as an outstanding treasurer and will be a great premier. He has my full support," he said.
However, sexual and reproductive healthcare provider Marie Stopes Australia immediately called on Mr Perrottet to guarantee abortion care access for women.
When NSW decriminalised access to abortion two years ago, Mr Perrottet - a staunch Catholic - voted against it.
"It is critical abortion care services are not restricted under his leadership," Marie Stopes managing director Jamal Hakim said.
"Premier Perrottet must commit to making no changes that would see abortion care wound back or restricted during his term," he said.
Australian Associated Press
