LOCAL STATE Members have heaped praise on outgoing NSW Premier Mike Baird who announced his shock retirement from politics today.
Member for Lismore Thomas George MP held a media conference at 12.30pm today and said he understood Mr Baird’s decision.
“I am saddened and shocked by the Premier’s announcement this morning of his resignation from politics, but fully understand his decision,” Mr George said.
“I strongly believe NSW is a better place thanks to the leadership of Premier Baird and the work of the Liberal/National Government.
“I have had the privilege of watching Mike from the beginning of his political career as MP for Manly, rising through the ranks as a Shadow Minister, Treasurer to Premier, always working hard and striving for better outcomes.
“I wish Mike, Kerryn and his family health, happiness and success for the future.
“I look forward to working with whoever the new Premier will be and continue to pursue the needs of the Lismore electorate.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest also paid tribute to Mr Baird’s policies towards reducing state debt and increasing infrastructure spend.
Mr Baird’s decision has send shock waves through the Australian political landscape with speculation around who will replace Mr Baird.
The NSW Liberal Party is expected to hold a party meeting on Tuesday, January 24, with a decision likely to take a week.
Among the favourites for State Premier is current Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian MP., although no official announcement has been made.
What, ‘leaving the ship’ two days before Australia Day! As for reducing state debt and increasing infrastructure spending, that’s only because Premier Baird sold our NSW assets! So those assets are now lost. Why would someone buy those assets if they were not going to ‘make money’? I notice how the ‘reason’ is always ‘the family’ when a politician suddenly leaves but of course, another highly paid job is there awaiting in the wings. The ‘niceties’ have to be said I suppose but the voters out here are not fooled. Jillian Spring