Mike Baird

Mike Baird
Mike Baird
Born	Michael Bruce Baird; April 1, 1968 (age 58); Melbourne, Australia
Occupation(s)	Politician, investment banker
Years active	2007–2017 (politics)
Known for	44th Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Western Sydney, Leader of the NSW Liberal Party

Michael Bruce Baird (born 1 April 1968) is an Australian former politician and investment banker who held the position of the 44th Premier of New South Wales. He also served as Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Western Sydney, and Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party from April 2014 until January 2017.

Baird was the representative for the electoral district of Manly in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as a member of the Liberal Party from 2007 through 2017. Before assuming the premiership, he acted as Treasurer of New South Wales in the O'Farrell administration from 2011 to 2014. On 19 January 2017, he declared his intention to resign, officially stepping down as Premier and member for Manly on 23 January.

Early life

Born in Melbourne, Baird is the son of Judy and Bruce Baird, the latter having been Deputy Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party and a parliamentary representative for the Liberal Party. He attended The King's School, Parramatta and spent time living in the United States while his father led the Australian trade commission in New York City. In 1989, Baird earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Government from the University of Sydney. He also pursued studies at Regent College in Vancouver, initially planning to enter Anglican ministry before ultimately choosing a career path in investment banking and politics.

Political career

In 1999, Baird sought preselection for Manly but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he worked in investment banking with National Australia Bank in London and later with HSBC Australia. After securing Liberal preselection for Manly, he defeated sitting independent David Barr by a margin of 3.4% at the 2007 state election. Following roles in junior shadow ministries, Baird was elevated to Shadow Treasurer in 2008 and was regarded as a potential future leader within the Liberal Party.

After the O'Farrell government’s victory in 2011, Baird was appointed Treasurer, although some duties were allocated to Minister Greg Pearce. Politically, he campaigned against hazardous drinking practices and opposed embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and adoption by same-sex couples. He also voiced significant concerns regarding abortion. Baird supported Australia transitioning to a republic and championed increasing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 15% in 2015.

Premier of New South Wales

Following Barry O'Farrell’s resignation, Baird was elected unopposed as parliamentary leader of the NSW Liberal Party on 17 April 2014 and officially sworn in as New South Wales’ 44th Premier on 23 April by Governor Dame Marie Bashir. Shortly thereafter, on 29 April, he facilitated the sale of a 50% stake in the Port of Newcastle to China Merchants Group, a Chinese state-owned enterprise. The Port Authority describes this port as "Australia’s deepwater global gateway," playing a critical role for Australian businesses competing on an international scale.

Upon taking office, Baird conducted a ministerial reshuffle that saw Andrew Constance appointed Treasurer while expanding Andrew Stoner's portfolio to five ministries as part of preparations for the 2015 state election. In October that year, Stoner resigned as Leader of the NSW Nationals and Deputy Premier; his successor was Troy Grant. The Sydney Morning Herald observed that Baird’s administration was notably influenced by religious faith, with prominent spiritual leaders occupying senior positions. His chief of staff, Bay Warburton, characterized their leadership approach as one dedicated both to Jesus and sound governance.

During the Lindt chocolate café hostage situation at Martin Place in Sydney on 15 December 2014, Baird addressed the public media expressing confidence in law enforcement efforts and highlighting societal resilience under democratic principles. When the café reopened in March 2015, he met with employees to commend their strength and commitment to community support. Subsequently, Baird disclosed that he experienced post-traumatic stress disorder following this traumatic event.

2015 New South Wales election

During the 2015 state election, Baird guided the Liberal-National Coalition to secure a second term in office. A central policy initiative involved leasing 49% of the state's electricity distribution infrastructure ("poles and wires") under a 99-year private lease agreement, with the funds raised directed toward enhancing roadways, public transit, water systems, healthcare, and educational facilities. In regional areas, plans included shortening the Central Coast & Newcastle Railway Line at Wickham and introducing a $130 million light rail network along with a transport interchange aimed at rejuvenating Newcastle's downtown area. The issue of Coal Seam Gas was particularly prominent in northern New South Wales.

Although Baird won a full term, his party lost 15 seats from the substantial majority inherited from O'Farrell. He became only the fourth Liberal leader in New South Wales since 1945 to win an election and was the first Liberal Premier who initially took office without election to subsequently win one in his own right. This election marked the first occasion since 1973 that a non-Labor government maintained its majority following a state vote.

Approval rating

Upon taking over from Barry O'Farrell as Premier in April 2014, Baird enjoyed high approval ratings across New South Wales. However, between December 2015 and September 2016, his popularity plummeted by 46 percentage points—the steepest drop recorded for any mainland state premier according to Newspoll data.

Newspoll
Mike Baird Satisfaction Ratings
	Satisfied	Dissatisfied
September 2016	39%	46%
September 2015	63%	23%
March 2015	57%	29%
February 2015	59%	26%
December 2014	60%	22%
October 2014	56%	20%
August 2014	49%	23%
June 2014	49%	19%

Lockout laws

Baird was a staunch advocate for the strict Sydney lockout laws introduced in early 2016. His vigorous defense on social media—including a widely noted Facebook exchange with critic Matt Barrie—garnered extensive international media coverage. Although his post received more than 10,000 likes, it also sparked considerable backlash, which diminished his standing as a popular figure on social platforms. The hashtag #casinomike trended nationwide, spotlighting controversy over exemptions granted to The Star Casino beyond the lockout boundaries.

In reaction to these measures, the community organization Keep Sydney Open coordinated a significant demonstration on 21 February 2016, attracting upwards of 15,000 protesters calling for the repeal of the lockout regulations.

Council mergers

In December 2015, the Baird administration unveiled a proposal to consolidate New South Wales councils from 152 down to 112—reducing Sydney councils from 43 to 25 and regional councils from 109 to 87. This restructuring postponed local government elections initially scheduled for September 2016 until March 2017. On 12 May 2016, mergers affecting 19 councils were officially carried out.

Resignation

On 19 January 2017, Baird declared his intention to retire from political life following an upcoming leadership spill scheduled for the next week. He remarked, "I entered politics to create impact and then move on. After a decade in public service, that time has come." His departure was met with criticism for leaving unresolved challenges such as opposition to WestConnex, ongoing lockout law protests, and council amalgamations. Additionally, he reversed a prior ban on greyhound racing in response to community opposition, particularly influenced by Nationals members. On 23 January 2017, Baird formally stepped down as premier and as the representative for Manly, with Gladys Berejiklian succeeding him as New South Wales’ 45th premier.

After politics

In February 2017, Baird took on the role of Chief Customer Officer at National Australia Bank, with a reported earnings of A$2.29 million in 2018. After NAB leaders relinquished their short-term bonuses in 2019, his overall remuneration decreased to A$1.7 million. By the conclusion of the 2018/2019 fiscal year, Baird possessed A$500,000 worth of NAB shares along with 67,888 NAB performance rights, which were valued at A$1.59 million as of March 2020. He declared his intention to leave NAB, effective from 15 April 2020.

Subsequently, in April 2020, Baird assumed the position of CEO at HammondCare, a faith-based aged care organization focusing on palliative and dementia services.

In October 2021, Baird provided testimony before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (New South Wales) concerning the relationship between Gladys Berejiklian and former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire. He described feeling "devastated" to give evidence regarding Berejiklian, whom he referred to as a "close personal friend."

In December 2024, Baird revealed plans to join the Susan McKinnon Foundation and to relocate to Melbourne.

Personal life

Baird lives in Fairlight, located on Sydney’s northern beaches, together with his wife Kerryn and their three children: Laura, Cate, and Luke. At the time of his appointment, his late mother Judy was receiving full-time care. His sister, journalist Julia Baird, is a bestselling author and host of ABC's The Drum. His younger brother Steve Baird holds the CEO position at International Justice Mission Australia. A longtime acquaintance of former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, they frequently surf together off the Northern Beaches. Baird is also a supporter of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles rugby league team.

In popular culture

In 2016, Sydney-based DJ Tom Budin released a track titled "Mike Baird," which served as a protest against the Sydney lockout laws enacted in February 2014, shortly before Baird became Premier of New South Wales.

References