Bruce Baird, Prominent Liberal MP and Father of Former Premier, Dies at 84

Former Liberal politician Bruce Baird has died at the age of 84. Baird, the father of former NSW Premier Mike Baird and journalist Julia Baird, died in Singapore following a fall he suffered while travelling home from a holiday in Europe, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Baird played an integral role in securing Sydney for the 2000 Olympic Games. He was first elected to the NSW Parliament in 1984, holding the seat of Northcott for 11 years before moving into federal politics. He later represented the electorate of Cook, a seat subsequently held by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

During his political career, Baird served as the Minister for Sydney's Olympic Bid from 1990 to 1993 and also held the position of transport minister. He retired from politics in 2007.

Baird is survived by his three children, Mike, Julia, and Steve. His wife, Judy, died in 2021.

The NSW Liberal Party issued a statement on Friday, calling Baird a "party stalwart and a greatly respected politician" who served the people of NSW in both state and federal parliaments. The party extended its deepest condolences to his family.

NSW Liberal MP Matt Cross also paid tribute, describing Baird as a "longtime mentor" and expressing his devastation at the loss. "I'll miss his friendship, mentorship and guidance," Cross wrote in a social media post.