Baird takes bureaucrats on $80,000 three-day retreat to reflect on bungles

NSW Premier Mike Baird’s most senior bureaucrats have taken a three-day trip to a luxury Blue Mountains resort to “reflect” on their performance after a series of policy and public relations disasters.

The pond at Fairmont Blue Mountains Resort, where guests can relax and enjoy fresh air. Picture: Supplied

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WITH the government lurching from debacle to disaster it seems fitting Premier Mike Baird should send around 70 of his most senior bureaucrats away to “reflect” on their performance.

Except nobody expected them to go on a three-day trip to an award-winning, 4.5-star, luxury Blue Mountains resort.

The extended weekender at the Fairmont Resort, which cost NSW taxpayers $80,000, comes in the wake of the greyhound racing ban, the tragic hospital gas mix-up and police anger over the Lindt Cafe siege ­inquest.

All rooms at the Fairmont have “either garden, lake, swimming pool, golf course or Jamison Valley views”.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet retreat began last Sunday, with Mr Baird joining executives and senior staff on Tuesday.

The Leura resort boasts that its corporate retreats are unsurpassed, with five ­“renowned bars and restaurants”, while describing its 212 rooms and suites as having “either garden, lake, swimming pool, golf course or Jamison Valley views”.

“The spacious rooms feature stylish armchairs, luxurious throw rugs, mini bars and high-end products in room and bathroom amenities,” it says.

“Why not experience one of our many outdoor venues such as lakeside drinks under the stars in our gazebo or cocktails in the outdoor maze, or a lakeside BBQ?”

But the trip has rankled with members of the Baird ministry, given that the Premier’s department has exclusive use of level 21 of the prime government city office building at 52 Martin Place in the heart of the city, which a government source said was off-limits to other ministers and staff.

Mr Baird occupies Level 20 of the building, with other ministers and government departments occupying the remaining 18 floors.

A main bar and dining area at Fairmont Resort in Leura.

A ­department spokeswoman said the Blue Mountains venue had been chosen for its ability to accommodate the needs of the 70 staff, which included “plenary and small group work”.

“The Department of Premier and Cabinet, like many other organisations in the public and private sectors, values opportunities to reflect on performance, plan for the future and develop its people,” she said.

The government relocated to Martin Place two years ago from Governor Macquarie Tower to save on leasing costs, spending around $39 million on the fitout.

However, one government source claimed the most prized level 21 had been claimed by DPC staff who rarely use it.

“When other ministers try to book it, they are told they can’t, even though half the time it is idle,” the source told The Sunday Telegraph.

Money to pay for the retreat was drawn from a “dedicated capability fund”.

Premier Baird made a presentation.

The resort’s stunning setting.

The department spokeswoman said it was usual practice to hold “these types of sessions” off-site to ensure leaders could fully focus on — and benefit from — the program.

“From Sunday, August 14, to Tuesday, August 16, around 70 senior staff met at a Blue Mountains venue,” she said.

“The cost, at ­approximately $80,000, was drawn from a dedicated capability fund set aside for the development of staff.”

Those present, who ­included staff from regional offices as well as department secretary Blair Comley and deputy secretary Sonja Stewart, had “travelled to the ­retreat in their own time”.

It is understood that Mr Baird did not stay overnight, but visited on the final day to give a presentation.

State opposition leader Luke Foley criticised the waste of $80,000 when there was ample space at Martin Place.

“It seems that when the going gets tough, Mr Baird’s response is to head for the spa and tennis courts,” he said.

“We are in midst of a health crisis and the public expects him and his team to be on the job, not bonding over a facial or listening to Mr Baird do his best David Brent impersonation.”

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