Bruce Baird, a former federal Liberal Member of Parliament and deputy leader of the party’s New South Wales branch, died at the age of 84. The former NSW transport minister, who served from 1988 to 1995, was also the father of former state premier Mike Baird, ABC journalist Julia Baird, and marketing executive Steve Baird.
During his time as a state minister, Baird played a key role in lobbying for Sydney to host the 2000 Olympic Games. He later entered federal parliament as the member for Cook, a seat he held until his retirement before the 2007 election, when Scott Morrison won the seat and eventually became prime minister.
Morrison described Baird as a “giant, a mentor and a friend who celebrated and lived out his strong Christian faith, loved his family and served his country, his state and our community in the shire.” He added that Baird’s most notable achievement was the transformative effect he had on Sydney through the successful Olympic bid, and that many other accomplishments were also significant.
NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said Baird was driven by a strong sense of service, conviction and compassion, earning the trust and respect of people regardless of political affiliation. She also noted his devotion to his late wife Judy and his pride as a father and grandfather. A NSW Liberal spokesperson offered its deepest condolences to his family.
Baird was a passionate supporter of refugees, opposing the Howard government’s mandatory detention of asylum seekers and later serving on Kevin Rudd’s refugee resettlement advisory council. In 2010 he criticised the reopening of the Curtin detention centre in Western Australia, arguing that treating asylum seekers badly was not the Australian way. He was also a regular member of Manly’s Bold and Beautiful ocean swimming club, where he was remembered as a wonderful friend by club members.
