A jubilant Mike Baird has thanked voters for choosing "hope over fear" following his NSW election victory.
The premier arrived at the upscale Sofitel Hotel party in Sydney's CBD on Saturday night grinning and with his right arm outstretched, his wife at his side and his children fanned out behind him.
Government staffers hugged on the sidelines as the delirious party faithful erupted into cheers of "four more years".
But the most optimistic among their number were ready for another eight.
"I love this state," Mr Baird announced as he took the stage.
"The reason I love this state is because of its people and friends, tonight they have chosen hope over fear."
He thanked Opposition Leader Luke Foley for his concession speech but accused Labor of the "biggest scare campaign" in NSW election history.
Mr Baird said the government had lost some good MPs because of the campaign against his electricity network leasing plan, but added he now had a mandate to push ahead.
His father Bruce Baird - himself a seasoned politician - said the election result showed that the Australian voter was smart enough to see things through.
"I'm very proud of my son," he told AAP.
"I think he did a phenomenal job. It's been a tough call, but he followed something that he believed in."
He dismissed suggestions that his boy could be headed for Canberra next.
Though supporters in the front rows of the function chanted Tony Abbott's name, the prime minister was a notable absentee from the celebrations.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop arrived only moments before the premier himself and was the only other federal cabinet member to receive a mention from Mr Baird.
And although Liberal insiders were confident of a win even before the poll booths closed, the mood shifted when the TV screens that flanked the stage flashed up the news that the coalition would be returned to government.
Liberal supporters cheered and sang "Goodbye" as Mr Foley appeared onscreen, having phoned the premier to concede defeat moments earlier.
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