Mike Baird facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Mike Baird AO
Baird in 2016
44th Premier of New South Wales
In office 17 April 2014 – 23 January 2017
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor	Marie Bashir David Hurley
Deputy	Andrew Stoner Troy Grant John Barilaro
Preceded by	Barry O'Farrell
Succeeded by	Gladys Berejiklian
20th Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party
In office 17 April 2014 – 23 January 2017
Deputy	Gladys Berejiklian
Preceded by	Barry O'Farrell
Succeeded by	Gladys Berejiklian
Minister for Infrastructure
In office 23 April 2014 – 2 April 2015
Preceded by	Brad Hazzard
Succeeded by	Andrew Constance
Minister for Western Sydney
In office 23 April 2014 – 23 January 2017
Preceded by	Barry O'Farrell
Succeeded by	Stuart Ayres
Treasurer of New South Wales
In office 3 April 2011 – 23 April 2014
Premier	Barry O'Farrell
Preceded by	Eric Roozendaal
Succeeded by	Andrew Constance
Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Manly
In office 24 March 2007 – 23 January 2017
Preceded by	David Barr
Succeeded by	James Griffin
Personal details
Born	Michael Bruce Baird (1968-04-01) 1 April 1968 (age 57) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Political party	Liberal
Spouse	Kerryn Baird
Relations	Bruce Baird (father) Julia Baird (sister)
Children	3
Education	The King's School, Parramatta University of Sydney Regent College
Occupation	Chief Executive Officer of Hammondcare Politician

Michael Bruce Baird (born 1 April 1968) is an Australian businessman and former politician. He served as the 44th Premier of New South Wales (NSW) from April 2014 to January 2017.

Before becoming Premier, he was the Treasurer of New South Wales, managing the state's money. He was also a Member of Parliament for the area of electoral district of Manly from 2007 to 2017.

Early Life and Education

Mike Baird was born in Melbourne, Australia, on April 1, 1968. His father, Bruce Baird, was also a politician. He was a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party.

Mike attended The King's School, Parramatta. He also lived in the United States for a time. In 1989, he graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in Economics and Government. He also studied at Regent College in Canada.

Political Journey

Baird in 2014

Mike Baird first tried to become a Member of Parliament for Manly in 1999 but was not successful. He then worked in investment banking, including in London and Sydney.

In 2007, he successfully ran for the seat of Manly. He won against the existing independent member, David Barr. After serving in some junior roles, he became the Shadow Treasurer in 2008. This meant he was the main spokesperson for the opposition on money matters.

When the Liberal Party won the election in 2011, Mike Baird became the Treasurer of New South Wales. In this role, he was in charge of the state's finances. He supported Australia becoming a republic, which means having an Australian head of state instead of the British monarch.

Becoming Premier of New South Wales

Prime Minister Modi of India meeting with Mike Baird in Sydney 16 Nov 2014

In April 2014, the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, resigned. Mike Baird was then chosen as the new leader of the Liberal Party in NSW. On April 23, 2014, he became the 44th Premier of New South Wales. The Governor of New South Wales, Marie Bashir, officially swore him in.

Soon after becoming Premier, he made changes to his team of ministers. He also oversaw the sale of 50% ownership of the Port of Newcastle. This port is a very important gateway for Australian businesses to trade with other countries.

In December 2014, a serious event happened in Sydney. A gunman held people hostage at a café in Martin Place, Sydney. Premier Baird spoke to the media during this difficult time. He said that Sydney would face the challenge and remain a strong society. He later met with staff at the re-opened café. The event had a big impact on him, and he experienced post-traumatic stress.

Baird at the official reopening of the Lindt Café, Martin Place, Sydney, March 2015.

2015 State Election

At the 2015 state election, Mike Baird led the Liberal-National Coalition to win a second term in government. A major policy during this election was his plan to lease 49% of the state's electricity network to private companies. The money from this lease was planned to be used for new roads, public transport, and other important projects.

Mike Baird became the first non-Labor Premier in NSW since 1973 to win an election and keep his government in power.

Public Opinion

Baird greeting the public, May 2015

After he became Premier, Mike Baird was very popular in public opinion polls. However, his popularity started to decrease in the second half of 2016. This was the biggest drop in satisfaction for any state premier in the history of Newspoll surveys.

Key Policies and Challenges

Mike Baird supported the Sydney lockout laws, which aimed to reduce violence in entertainment areas. He also faced public discussion about these laws.

His government also planned to reduce the number of local councils in New South Wales. This led to some councils merging together.

Resignation from Politics

On January 19, 2017, Mike Baird announced that he would be leaving politics. He said he had achieved what he wanted to do and it was time to move on. He officially resigned on January 23, 2017. Gladys Berejiklian then became the new Premier of New South Wales.

Life After Politics

After leaving politics, Mike Baird joined the National Australia Bank in February 2017. He worked as their Chief Customer Officer.

In April 2020, he became the Chief Executive Officer of HammondCare. This organization provides care for older people, including those with dementia.

In October 2021, he gave evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. This was part of an investigation related to another politician.

In December 2024, Mike Baird announced he would join the Susan McKinnon Foundation and move to Melbourne.

Personal Life

Mike Baird lives in Fairlight, Sydney, with his wife, Kerryn. They have three children: Laura, Cate, and Luke. His sister, Julia Baird, is a journalist and author. His younger brother, Steve Baird, leads International Justice Mission Australia.

Mike Baird is a long-time friend of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. They often surf together. He supports the NRL club, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

Related Information

• Baird ministry
• O'Farrell ministry
• Shadow Ministry of Barry O'Farrell

See also

In Spanish: Mike Baird (político) para niños