Mike Baird (politician)

Michael Bruce "Mike" Baird MP (born 1 April 1968), an Australian politician. He was the 44th Premier of New South Wales from 2014 to 2019. He was also  the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Western Sydney.  He has represented the New South Wales Legislative Assembly seat of Manly for the Liberal Party of Australia since 2007. Before he became Premier, he was the Treasurer of New South Wales in the O'Farrell government.

Early years
Baird's father, Bruce Baird, was member of the New South Wales Parliament representing Northcott, and a Member of the Australian House of Representatives, representing Cook, for the Liberal Party.

Baird attended The King's School, Parramatta. He studied for a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Sydney. Baird joined the National Australia Bank (NAB) under a graduate program working as an investment banker. He later joined Deutsche Bank as a senior manager.

Baird is a Christian. He studied at Regent College, in Canada, so he could become a minister in the Anglican Church, but while there decided to enter politics. In 1999, he unsuccessfully tried to be chosen as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Manly. He then went back to NAB, working for a time in London, before returning to Sydney to work for HSBC Australia.

Political career
Baird was elected to the New South Wales Parliament in 2007. He was given a number of junior shadow ministries and in 2008 he was made Shadow Treasurer. Following the election of the O'Farrell government in 2011, Baird was made Treasurer,

Baird has opposed dangerous drinking, embryonic stem research, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage.

Premier of New South Wales

After Barry O'Farrell's resignation, on 17 April 2014 Baird was elected parliamentary leader of the NSW Liberal Party, and then sworn in on 23 April as the 44th Premier of New South Wales.

 References 

Other websites
 The Hon. (Mike) Michael Bruce BAIRD, MP  – Parliament of New South Wales


Category:1968 births
Category:Living people
Category:Politicians from Melbourne
Category:Premiers of New South Wales
Category:University of Sydney alumni