Sydney lockout laws: Mike Baird’s daughter Laura cops barrage over controversial restrictions

IT’S not just Premier Mike Baird copping a backlash over the government’s controversial lockout laws — his 19-year-old daughter Laura is also in the firing line.

Pictured at the Liberal Party's celebration function at the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney tonight, is NSW Premier Mike Baird with his wife Kerryn, son Luke and daughters Cate and Laura, after claiming victory in today's State election. Photo: Tim Hunter.

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IT’S not just Premier Mike Baird in the firing line over the government’s controversial lockout laws — his 19-year-old daughter Laura is also copping a barrage of abuse.

Defending his bold stance for strict booze control in the CBD, Mr Baird revealed that “the pressure on my family is significant”.

“It is difficult,” Mr Baird told an audience of about 400 at a beer tasting event in Miranda last Friday.

Mike Baird’s daughter Laura, left, has been the subject of abuse over the lockout laws.

“You can’t help but be impacted. My daughter is 19 and she was barraged about the lockout laws.

“(But) from the outset these laws have been about fixing a serious problem. Violence had spiralled out of control, people were literally being punched to death in the city, and there were city streets too dangerous to stroll down on a Friday night.”

The Premier has been bombarded with negative comments on Facebook after he publicly responded to a piece criticising the impact of the lockout laws written by businessman Matt Barrie.

But he remains steadfast in his support for the laws.

“The main thing I try to do is keep my family out of it,” Baird said.

Keep Sydney Open rally last month

Anti-lockout protester makes her point

Last month Mr Baird told Kyle and Jackie O the hardest part of being a politician was how it affected his family.

But when asked whether he ever considered pulling out of politics - after a listener called him an idiot - he said never.

‘It’s an honour and a privilege every day’ he said.

Former High Court judge Ian Callinan QC has been appointed to oversee a review into Sydney’s lockout laws in the coming months.

Mr Callinan, 78, was one of six judges who handed down a 2004 High Court ruling that licensed venues, in most circumstances, are not liable for customers who get hurt after heavy drinking.

“The Callinan Review will provide an independent, open and transparent assessment of the state’s liquor laws, focusing on the facts, to advise the NSW Government on the future of these laws,” NSW Police Minister Troy Grant said.

Mr Grant and Mr Baird said the ­review was aimed at ensuring the government was striking the right balance between protecting Sydneysiders from alcohol-fuelled violence and maintaining the night-time economy.

A quiet Kings Cross following the introduction of the lockout laws. Picture: Gordon McComiskie