Dominic Perrottet has been doing some soul-searching.

Over the past few days, the premier has been reflecting on how his Catholic faith influences his policy decisions during a bruising debate on gambling reforms.

He now says he was wrong to say that it does not have an impact on how he forms his views.

“The more I thought about it, I was wrong, what I said,” he said.

A week ago, ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis was sacked because he linked the premier’s Catholicism — his “conservative Catholic gut” as it was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald — to his motivation for gambling reform.

The premier responded by saying the comment was “incredibly inappropriate and offensive”, but also claimed that his views were “not informed by the fact that I’m Catholic”.

Now that the dust has settled, he says the drive that comes from his faith is “a good thing, not a bad thing”.

“It has developed in me a sense of social justice, looking after vulnerable people,” he said.

“I don’t think that is something I should be ashamed of.”

The premier has now unveiled his plan to turn poker machines cashless.

He had to first secure its passage through cabinet, which threatened to be tough after some internal tension about the plan spilled over publicly.

When asked why gambling reform has become a priority for him, Mr Perrottet points back to his time as treasurer.

“The billions of dollars in revenue received from gambling always … kind of stuck with me,” he said.

“We were receiving revenue and profit off people’s misery.”

He is aware — based on internal political polling — his push for gambling reform is not likely to be a major vote changer in the election.

“So what? You don’t run for public office because the polling says you should do something. I’m here to do what is right.”