The Australian New South Wales (NSW) premier says he's "deeply ashamed" for wearing a Nazi uniform to his 21st birthday party.
Dominic Perrottet fronted media at a press conference in Sydney on Thursday outlining his "terrible mistake" when attending his own 21st fancy dress-up party.
Perrottet said his costume has caused him "much anxiety" throughout his life and career.
ABC News reports the premier admitted to his regrettable costume after he received a phone call from a Cabinet colleague two days ago.
"When I was 21, at my 21st fancy dress party, I wore a Nazi uniform," Perrottet told local media.
"I'm deeply ashamed of what I did. And I'm truly sorry for the hurt and pain that it will cause people right across our state."
Perrottet issued his apology "particularly" to "members of the Jewish community, holocaust survivors, veterans and their families".
"I'm truly sorry for that terrible mistake."
The premier said he was "not aware" of pictures showing him in the uniform.
"I thought this was important, that this is my truth, that I should be the one to explain that to the people of our state, not someone else."
The 40-year-old politician admitted he was "naive" when he was 21 years old and "didn't understand the significance of that decision".
"It was stupid."
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has since responded to Perrottet's announcement, saying on Facebook they hope the incident would "serve as a lesson" and a strong reminder of the "abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime".
"We appreciate that the Premier personally reached out to the Jewish community this afternoon to express his deep and sincere regret about his poor choice of costume as a young man," the Jewish Board of Deputies said.
"The Premier has been a staunch supporter and friend of the NSW Jewish community throughout his time in public life. In particular, as Treasurer, he ensured the Sydney Jewish Museum received funding to ensure that it could continue educating the community about the Holocaust and the horrors of the Nazi era."
