Mike Baird to step down as NSW Premier, resign from politics
It now appears certain Gladys Berejiklian will succeed Mike Baird as NSW premier, after she struck a deal with a key rival.
- ‘Out touch - he had to go’
- Brownyn Bishop lashes Baird
- Succession plan a done deal?
- ‘Proud to be his deputy’
- Key points
- Reaction
NSW Premier Mike Baird will resign from politics next week, triggering a by-election and handing over the leadership of the state Liberal Party after less than three years.
Mr Baird, who was expected to reshuffle his cabinet early next month, said he had instead decided to resign. Follow all the day’s reaction and analysis below.
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian, touted as Baird’s replacement, says she will contest the leadership at a party room meeting next week. Read here
6pm: Australia wants stability: Abbott
Tony Abbott believes Australia has turned over too many political leaders over the past decade, leaving the public craving for more stability. The former prime minister said he was sorry to see NSW premier and long-time friend Mike Baird retire after doing an “outstanding job” for the state. “I’m looking forward to many years of friendship with him but I am going to miss having him as a colleague,” Mr Abbott told the ABC today following a charity bike ride in South Australia.
Asked whether he believed Mr Baird’s shock departure from politics would have federal implications, Mr Abbott said the constant turnover of leaders - both federally and at state-level - in the last 10 years had “bedevilled our polity”. “We’ve seen too many prime ministers, we’ve seen too many premiers, and I think the public yearn for stability,” he said.
“I think the public yearn for certainty and I hope that one way or another in the years ahead we can see more order and stability in our system.” Mr Abbott was ousted by Malcolm Turnbull as Liberal leader in September 2015 - marking the sixth prime ministerial change since 2007.
When Mr Baird’s replacement is named next week, NSW will also have had six leaders since 2005.
Some pundits had tipped a return to cabinet for Mr Abbott this week after Sussan Ley resigned as the minister for health and sport.
Instead, Greg Hunt was promoted to the portfolio.
“It’s the prime minister’s choice and, look, obviously he can explain his choices,” Mr Abbott said. “When I was leading the country the cabinet was my choice, it was no-one else’s choice.”
AAP
4pm: ‘I will be standing for the leadership’
Gladys Berejiklian has officially entered the race to replace Mike Baird. In a statement, she paid tribute to Mr Baird, but said she “would like to make it clear that I will be standing for the leadership”.
“Mike has been an inspiring leader and a man of enormous integrity who has left an outstanding and indelible mark on the state of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Mike’s leadership has made NSW the economic and infrastructure powerhouse of the nation.
“His compassion has also ensured a better quality of life for those most vulnerable.
“On a personal note, he has been a great leader and friend. I have been proud to work with him for six years in the ministry and for three of those as his deputy.
“I wish Mike, Kerryn and their family the very best for the future and thank them for the personal sacrifices they have made for the betterment of the people of NSW.”
The party room will meet at 10am on Monday.
3.45pm: ‘He could have been pushed’
Former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has said Baird’s downfall was due to socialism affecting his decision making.
She said “He wasn’t schooled in philosophy, was more managerial, and that’s the way socialism can kind of creep in to policymaking.”
She went on to say Baird should have left earlier due to recent policies. “That decision on greyhound racing was just the antithesis of everything the Liberal party believes in. And indeed there were people talking about that he could have been pushed, earlier on.”
3.25pm: A done deal?
Health Minister Jillian Skinner has thrown her support behind Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian, the clear front runner to become the next leader of the state Liberal Party and NSW premier. Ms Skinner, under fire for her handling of a number of crises, was considered a likely candidate for demotion if Mr Baird had moved to reshuffle his cabinet instead of resigning.
“I make no secret I am supporting Gladys Berejiklian, I always have done,” Ms Skinner told her local paper, the Mosman Daily.
It now appears certain that Ms Berejiklian will be the next premier, after striking a deal with Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet, a Right-aligned MP who is also considered highly competent by the moderate wing. Mr Perrottet will be the party’s deputy leader.
2.35pm: ‘Out of touch - he had to go’
Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham says Mike Baird was out of touch with the state, and the recent Orange by-election had forced his resignation. The government lost the safe seat in a stunning result after a massive swing
“He essentially became the dictator of New South Wales,” Mr Latham told Sky News. “In a whole range of issues, Baird was acting more like a Greens leader of NSW,” Mr Latham said.
“It’s good to seem him go.”
Mr Latham said Baird’s decision on the greyhound industry and the Safe Schools program were just some of the reasons he was out of touch with the general public.
“People who didn’t know anything about greyhounds were coming up to me and saying ‘Has Government really got the right to do that?’ Has Government really got the power to wipe out a whole industry, throw a whole bunch of Australians on the scrap heap just with the stroke of a pen,” Mr Latham said.
“They were quite shocked — not greyhound people, but just the general public were quite shocked that someone could be so authoritarian.
“Quite frankly, Mike Baird developed a God complex.
“This bloke thought he was a godly figure in NSW, he could ban this, he could decree that and it’s not the way for a Liberal to conduct, for any leader to conduct himself in the public sphere.”
Mark Latham says the writing was on the wall for @MikeBairdMP after the Orange by-election. More: https://t.co/yg5JBwVrW2 pic.twitter.com/E4hGv4vnOD
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) January 18, 2017
2pm: Premier fleeing - Hanson
Amid the plaudits being handed out to the departing Premier, a different take from the One Nation party leader.
#LockoutLaws, #greyhound, #amalgamations! Mike Baird has lit the fuse on NSW & now he flees, leaving others to look after his mess. #auspol
— Pauline Hanson (@PaulineHansonOz) January 18, 2017
1.40pm: Richo applauds ‘good decision’
When the mob fall out of love with you, you can never rekindle the romance. Mike Baird made a good decision today.
— Graham Richardson (@SkyNewsRicho) January 19, 2017
1.30pm: ‘Government has failed under Baird’
NSW Opposition leader Luke Foley has paid tribute to outgoing premier Mike Baird but says Labor’s job has not changed in the wake of his resignation. Mr Foley thanked the premier for his “substantial” service to public life but said the state government had failed to deliver key services, citing overcrowded schools, “soaring” hospital waiting lists and a lack of affordable housing. “I think this government frankly needs more than a new premier; it needs a new direction,” Mr Foley told reporters in Sydney.
1pm: MP named in ICAC eyes return
A former minister named in ICAC and blocked for a cabinet return by Mike Baird, is set for a political comeback. Exclusive report here
Rachel Baxendale 12.25pm: ‘Bad news for the Liberal Party’
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has wished Mike Baird well in his life post-politics, saying his departure diminishes the NSW Liberal Party.
He also praised Mr Baird for his government’s education policy and support of Gonski.
“I wish Mr Baird well in private life. I wish him and his family well,” Mr Shorten said. “Politics takes its toll.
Mr Shorten said Mr Baird’s resignation was bad news for the Liberal Party.
“I think it’s fair to say, and most people would agree with me, that Mr Baird was probably the most talented Liberal at the state level in New South Wales, so the Liberal Party today in New South Wales is a much more diminished political party than it was yesterday,” he said.
“I suspect this has implications for Mr Turnbull’s support in New South Wales as well.”
Mr Shorten said Mike Baird had sounded “more like a Labor member” as he neared the end of his career than like Malcolm Turnbull.
He praised Mr Baird for his support of negative gearing.
“I think Malcolm Turnbull should listen carefully to Mike Baird and should reconsider his outrageous defence of negative gearing, which sees first homeowners treated as second class to investors when it comes to housing affordability,” he said.
Mr Shorten said he took his hat off to Mr Baird for the NSW Coalition’s support for education funding.
“I really wish, and I notice that Mike Baird made a point, again, in his departure speech, that the Federal Liberal government and Mr Turnbull would reconsider their right-wing ideological opposition to needs-based funding for schools,” he said.
“The best thing we can do in this country, and every parent is DNA hard-wired already to know this, the best that we can do is give our kids the best start in life, properly funding our education system, so that it’s not a child’s parents’ wealth or it is not a postcode the child grows up in which determines their future, it is the quality of their education.
“I think education is a legacy.”
11.55am: Berejiklian in line for top job
Gladys Berejiklian, the deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Treasurer, is likely to replace Mike Baird as NSW Premier in a party room meeting next week.
The Australian can confirm Ms Berejiklian will contest the leadership and will release a statement to that effect today
Early speculation among Coalition sources indicates there will be an uncontested handover to Ms Berejiklian, a factional ally of Mr Baird’s and a senior figure in the party’s dominant moderate wing.
Ms Berejiklian would have the support of a vast majority of MPs against any challenge from the Right, an unlikely scenario, with senior figures including Energy Minister Anthony Roberts and Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet touted as possible deputy party leaders.
However, she could face a challenge from other moderates, most likely Transport Minister Andrew Constance, although it is understood that even if the Right united behind any alternative to Ms Berejiklian, she would still narrowly secure the numbers to be elected leader.
Ms Berejiklian, whose electorate of Willoughby is on Sydney’s north shore, has been an MP since 2003 after leading the state’s Young Liberals and working in a number of other party positions.
She has also worked for former state Opposition Leader Peter Collins and former federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan, as well as at the Commonwealth Bank.
Ms Berejiklian served as transport minister under Barry O’Farrell, who famously quipped to Kerry O’Brien after winning the 2011 state election that he was “only going to talk to Gladys”, before becoming Treasurer in 2015.
She oversaw the introduction of the Opal card, the extension of Sydney’s light rail, and the start of the construction of the North West Rail Link before handing over the portfolio to Mr Constance.
It is understood Mr Baird spoken to Ms Berejiklian this morning before announcing his resignation having also spoken to Malcolm Turnbull.
11.50am: Message of support
Proud of you bro. @mikebairdMP pic.twitter.com/4juPWCQL0U
— Julia Baird (@bairdjulia) January 19, 2017
11.45am: ‘Proud to be his deputy’
Police Minister Troy Grant, who resigned as NSW Nationals leader following the Orange by-election, wasn’t surprised by Mr Baird’s departure but was disappointed to see his “great mate” leave politics.
“I was enormously proud to serve as his deputy premier,” Mr Grant told reporters in Sydney. “We achieved incredible things for this state, and it’s a sad day for NSW more than anything. He’s made the decision in the best interest of his family and that always has to come first and I’ll always support him.”
11.25am: Palaszczuk statement
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also paid tribute, saying even though they were on opposite sides of the political divide, they managed to work together well.
“We fought together - with other premiers - for a fairer deal from the Australian government on health and education for our states, the comprehensive roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and a national redress scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse,” Ms Palaszczuk said in a statement.
11.16am: Were there any clues?
“True to form, Mike Baird announced his shock retirement on Twitter,” writes Chris Kenny. “There were, perhaps, better clues across on his Facebook page, where his most recent status update had proudly shared the news that he would be walking his daughter down the aisle this year.”
Was Baird right to go out at the top? You can read Chris Kenny’s full comment piece here.
11.05am: Key points from press conference
Mr Baird said it was only “in the past couple of weeks” that he had made the decision.
“I wanted to make sure that if I was going to go, now was definitely the time,” he said. “You need to have fresh energy and refreshing now gives a new premier two years (before the next election).
Mr Baird said he would vote in next week’s party room meeting, but declined to comment on who was his preferred candidate. “That’s a matter for the party room but as I look at my team it’s an incredibly talented team,” he said.
Mr Baird said the lack of a significant tax reform was his biggest disappointment.
10.55am: Premier reaction
Say it ain't so @mikebairdMP? Your advocacy at COAG a huge loss. Glad to now call you a friend.
— JayWeatherill (@JayWeatherill) January 18, 2017
Good to work with @mikebairdMP over the last few years. Wishing him and his family all the best for the future.
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) January 18, 2017
I pay tribute to the Premier of NSW Mike Baird on his partnership & friendship & wish him & his family all the best. https://t.co/gOX2XqVB9r
— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) January 18, 2017
10.49am: Final question
“Ultimately all of us want the best for this state. We want the best for this nation and hopefully in some small way I’ve made a contribution to that.”
10.43am: Baird opens up on personal life
“The past few months and people talk about it being tough, there were some policy issues. That was much tougher. My father has gone through open heart surgery and has a long road back to recovery. He had become the primary carer for my mother, she’s just gone to 24 hours care. She has muscular dystrophy. It’s very tough to watch as a son.
My sister had a reoccurrence of cancer and I was in hospital with her last week. Those personal things obviously impact you. The nature of this job makes it tough to be able to support as much as you want.”
10.39am: What next for Baird?
“Over the years people have said that if ever I leave politics come and talk to me. That’s obviously something I’ll do in coming weeks. Next is time with these guys (family). I don’t know how long that is, I wont put any time frame on it. I want to spend time with my family. I will be working elsewhere in the long term, I don't know where that is.”
10.34am: On his legacy
“I haven’t come into politics for people to write about me or talk about legacies or what you’ve done well or badly. I genuinely came in to make a differences to people’s lives. There are a number of policy decisions we made. I’ve given my best, I’ve given my all, there is nothing left.
“I’ve worked as hard as I possibly cane for the people of the state. I hope that people think that I’ve made a difference.
“You’re human. People kind of forget that politicians are human. There are personal circumstances that weigh upon you. People can take whatever perspective they like. I want everyone in NSW to know that the privilege has been unbelievable. Today I leave on the basis that I think I’ve given the best I can give.”
10.31am: On his successor
“I’m confident we can win the next election. The important point is that part of the reason for a refresh, every organisation needs to refresh ... I think refreshing now gives a new Premier two years, an opportunity for them to put their mark and set an agenda that is theirs.
“Succession? That’s a matter for the party room. I will be (quitting parliament) when the time comes when the new premier is installed.”
10.28am: Baird on the timing
“You don't know the time. I strongly think. sometimes you run for election you don’t win. Other times, such as this, you come to a sense that now is the time. There has been huge challenges on the journey of course there has.
“Every week of every year there are challenges in public life. Look at the difference that we have made. that’s what it was all about for me to go as hard as I could for as long as I could.
“In terms of the timing, it literally was only in aspect of a couple of weeks ago I made the decision. I wanted to make sure that as I went into a bit of time off with my family and those closest to me, I spent time reflecting on this
“It came down to a time with Kerryn and I. We went through every element of the decision and collectively agreed that now is the time.”
10.22am: Baird thanks family
“I want to thank my party, the Liberal Party. I do want to thank my team. Some of who are here. I believe I’ve got the best team anyone could every imagine. Unbelievable capacity and talent.
“I also want to thank my family here today. They’re a pretty amazing bunch. My wife Kerryn has been my lifeline, she has been so supportive on this journey. I love her dearly and I just couldn’t be prouder of having her. I’m punching above my weight coming up to 27 years she’s done such a wonderful job as first lady.
“My kids — I promised I wouldn’t embarrass them but there are things we have to do this year, it’s an important time.
“My daughter Kate has her HSC and she's really excited about the prospect of me helping her with that. My daughter Lauren is getting married, my son Luke has always wanted me to coach his soccer team. I love my kids like any father in the state you’re so proud and I’m incredibly proud of my wonderful kids and family.”
10.17am: Baird’s achievements
Baird is listing his achievements:
“We were the first state to sign up to Gonski. getting money to those disadvantaged students and schools. We’ve also focused in on teacher equality.
“Infrastructure is the hallmark of the government. this state will never be the same again on the basis of what we set out to do in infrastructure.
“We are getting about rebuilding NSW. everyone can see it through their own eyes. Investment in water in regional New South Wales. the first time Broken Hill has secure water.
“While it’s great to get the economy going and the budget it’s important that we don’t leave people behind.
“Investment in domestic violence, social housing. many initiative we believe has made a difference to those who need support.”
10.13am: Baird elaborates on private challenges
“After 10 years of public life I think now is the right time to do this. Secondly, there is a strong personal cost that comes in the public life. I probably felt that more than any other time in the past few weeks. My father and mother and sister are going through very serious health challenges This will change today.
“Whilst there’s much more to do I strongly believe that there is a great team I leave behind and they will do many more great things for this state.”
10.08am: ‘Time for a refresh’
Baird’s media conference has started.
“It’s time for us to refresh, to reset our goals for 2019 election and beyond and as I’ve reflected on this refresh ... with those I love the most and my dear friends it has been clear to me that this refresh won’t include me.
“Now is the time to hand over to a new premier to ensure the focus on 2019 and beyond continues to set the agenda and obviously that will no longer include me today I can confirm that I'm retiring from politics. It’s taken a lot of deliberation. I strongly believe I’ve made the right decision.”
10am: Social media reaction
9.55am: Turnbull thanks Baird
Malcolm Turnbull has thanked Mr Baird for his “remarkable leadership”.
The prime minister spoke with Mr Baird, who announced his retirement from politics via Twitter on Thursday morning.
Mr Turnbull wished him the best and thanked him for showing remarkable leadership to get NSW moving again, particularly through building infrastructure.
9.45am: Press conference ahead
NSW Premier Mike Baird is expected to address the media this morning in the wake of his shock announcement to resign from Parliament next week.
Mr Baird was thought to be reshuffling his cabinet early next month but instead declared his intention to step down from his role this morning.
9.20am: Baird statement
“As I have reflected on the approaching halfway mark of our current term of government, and the opportunity it presents to refresh the cabinet team, I have decided that this is the perfect time for me to hand the reins over to a new premier,” Mr Baird said in a statement this morning.
I'm retiring from politics. It's been an honour to serve you, NSW. pic.twitter.com/eFInOqoC19
— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) January 18, 2017
“Next week there will be a Liberal party-room meeting and a spill of leadership positions.
“Following that meeting, I will resign from parliament, effective immediately.
“It has also been an immense honour to represent the people of Manly since 2007, and my retirement from politics will enable fresh leadership for my community.”
Mr Baird will make a further statement later this morning.
Mr Baird’s satisfaction slumping to its lowest level on record at the end of last year following a number of crises, including a now-reversed ban on greyhound racing and anger at plan to force council amalgamations.
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