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 AO (born 1 April 1968) is a former Australian politician. He also worked in investment banking. From April 2014 to January 2017, he was the 44th Premier of New South Wales. This is like being the leader of the state government.

During his time as Premier, he was also the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Western Sydney, and the leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party. Before becoming Premier, he was the Treasurer of New South Wales from 2011 to 2014. He represented the area of Manly in the New South Wales Parliament from 2007 to 2017. Mike Baird announced he would leave politics on 19 January 2017. He officially resigned on 23 January.

Early Life and Education

Mike Baird was born in Melbourne, Australia, on 1 April 1968. His parents are Judy and Bruce Baird. His father was also a politician. He was a leader in the New South Wales Liberal Party. Later, he became a Member of the Australian Parliament.

Mike Baird went to The King's School, Parramatta. He also lived in the United States for a while. This was when his father worked for Australia in New York City. In 1989, Mike Baird finished his studies at the University of Sydney. He earned a degree in Economics and Government. He also studied in Canada at Regent College. He first thought about becoming a religious minister. But while there, he decided to work in banking and later in politics.

Political Journey

Mike Baird in 2014

In 1999, Mike Baird tried to become a candidate for the Manly area but was not chosen. He then went back to working in investment banking. He worked for a bank in London and then in Sydney.

Later, he tried again to become a candidate for Manly and was successful. In the 2007 New South Wales state election, he won the seat. He defeated the person who was already representing Manly, David Barr. After this, he worked in several smaller roles in the opposition party. In 2008, he became the Shadow Treasurer. This meant he was the main spokesperson for money matters for the opposition. People saw him as a future leader of the Liberal Party.

When the O'Farrell government was elected in 2011, Mike Baird became the Treasurer of New South Wales. This role is in charge of the state's money. He supported Australia becoming a republic. In 2015, he supported increasing the GST to 15%.

Becoming Premier of New South Wales

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

After Barry O'Farrell resigned, Mike Baird was chosen as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Party. This happened on 17 April 2014. He became the 44th Premier of New South Wales on 23 April. The Governor of New South Wales, Dame Marie Bashir, officially swore him in.

Soon after becoming Premier, Mike Baird oversaw the sale of part of the Port of Newcastle. This port is very important for Australia's trade. He also changed some of the government ministers. He prepared for the 2015 New South Wales state election.

In December 2014, a serious event happened in Sydney. A gunman held people hostage at a chocolate café in Martin Place, Sydney. Mike Baird spoke to the media during this difficult time. He said that Sydney was being tested but would remain strong. He also said he trusted the NSW police force. After the event, Mike Baird visited the café when it reopened. He said the staff were strong for their city. The event was very difficult for him, and he experienced post-traumatic stress.

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

Winning the 2015 State Election

At the 2015 New South Wales state election, Mike Baird led the Liberal-National Coalition to win a second term. A major policy during this election was his plan to lease 49% of the state's electricity network. This network is often called the "poles and wires." The idea was to use the money from this lease to build new roads, public transport, and improve health and education.

He won a full term as Premier. He was the first non-Labor Premier since 1973 to win an election and keep his majority.

Public Opinion and Approval

Baird greeting the public, May 2015

When Mike Baird first became Premier, many people approved of him. However, his approval rating dropped a lot in the second half of 2016. Between December 2015 and September 2016, his approval fell significantly. This was one of the biggest drops for any state leader in Australia's history.

Lockout Laws Discussion

Baird in 2015

Mike Baird supported the Sydney lockout laws. These laws aimed to reduce alcohol-related violence in the city. On 9 February 2016, he posted a response on Facebook about these laws. His post received many comments, mostly critical. People used the hashtag #casinomike on Twitter. This was because the lockout laws did not apply to Star City Casino. A large protest was organized against these laws. Over 15,000 people marched in Sydney. They asked the government to remove the lockout laws.

Resignation from Politics

On 19 January 2017, Mike Baird announced he was leaving politics. He said he wanted to make a difference and then move on. He felt it was time to leave after 10 years in public life. After his announcement, some people criticized him. They felt he did not listen to public concerns on issues like the lockout laws. He also changed his mind about banning greyhound racing.

On 23 January 2017, Mike Baird officially resigned. Gladys Berejiklian then became the 45th Premier of New South Wales.

Life After Politics

In February 2017, Mike Baird started a new job. He became the Chief Customer Officer at National Australia Bank. In 2019, he earned A$1.7 million from this role. In March 2020, it was reported he would leave the bank. In April 2020, he became the Chief Executive Officer of HammondCare. This is a Christian organization that helps older people. They provide care for people with dementia and those needing palliative care.

In October 2021, Mike Baird gave evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. This was about a relationship involving another politician, Gladys Berejiklian. He said he was sad to have to give evidence about her, as she was a close friend.

Personal Life

Mike Baird lives in Fairlight in Sydney. He is married to Kerryn Baird. They have three children: Laura, Cate, and Luke. His sister, Julia Baird, is a journalist and author. His younger brother, Steve Baird, leads an organization called International Justice Mission Australia. Mike Baird is good friends with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. They often go surfing together. Mike Baird supports the NRL club, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

See also

In Spanish: Mike Baird (político) para niños

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