After Mike Baird’s shock announcement to quit politics on Thursday morning, Hunter MPs and prominent business people are speaking out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At a press conference in Sydney on Thursday Mr Baird said he was stepping down from the job after three years as Premier and 10 years in parliament to allow a “refresh” of his government. More here.
Heartless policies his undoing: Hunter Labor MPs
THE Hunter’s state Labor MPs expressed surprise at Premier Mike Baird’s resignation on Thursday, and vowed to pressure his successor over the government’s “heartless policies” of privatising assets and merging councils. Read more.
‘He truly believed he was right’
LAKE Macquarie independent Greg Piper has described Mike Baird as a man “who truly believed that what he was doing was the right thing for NSW”. Read more.
Hunter Property Council director labels Premier a 'champion' for the Hunter
Outgoing NSW Premier Mike Baird has been praised as an “absolute champion of Newcastle and the Hunter” by the Property Council of Australia’s Hunter director, Andrew Fletcher.
“His legacy will be setting the platform for Newcastle to be a globally competitive city in the future,” Mr Fletcher said. More here.
Save our Rail president Joan Dawson accuses premier of 'decapitating' Newcastle
Save our Rail president Joan Dawson has welcomed the resignation of Mike Baird, saying the former premier has left a “disgraceful” legacy in Newcastle and his decision to truncate the heavy rail line had “decapitated” the city.
There were bitter divisions within the community over the fate of the line for much of Mr Baird’s tenure in the top job, until the state government passed legislation allowing it to pull up the tracks in October 2015. More here.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says Baird’s retirement will give Maitland a fresh start
The retirement of Mike Baird from politics will open the door for Maitland to have a better relationship with the Premier, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says.
Ms Aitchison said Maitland had a large wish list that she was eager to discuss with the new Premier, particularly in the areas of health and education. More here.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen praises outgoing Premier Mike Baird
UPPER Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has applauded outgoing Premier Mike Baird on his integrity and commitment to NSW.
At a press conference in Sydney on Thursday Mr Baird said he was stepping down from the job after three years as Premier and 10 years in parliament to allow a “refresh” of his government. More here.