PM leads tributes after former Liberal politician Bruce Baird dies, aged 84

Bruce Baird, a former Liberal minister who helped bring the 2000 Olympics to Sydney, has died, aged 84.

Following news of his death, tributes flowed in from both sides of politics with Labor Party leader, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, leading the praise for Baird, saying “Australia has lost a real gentleman and a true parliamentarian”.

“In whichever role he served, whether it was in Parliament or leading bodies including the Tourism and Transport Forum and the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council, he served with distinction and he served with principle and unwavering humanity,” Albanese said.

“Tellingly, the respect and admiration for Bruce knew no political boundaries.”

Baird served in both state and federal politics during a career stretching across two decades.

He held the seat of Northcott in the NSW Legislative Assembly between 1984 and 1995.

During this time, he held the transport, roads, and tourism portfolios under the Greiner and Fahey governments.

Albanese credited how he handled his transport portfolio “with such aplomb that I was pleased to appoint him years later as the inaugural chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Board”.

Baird also oversaw Sydney’s Olympic bid, which the Australian Olympic Committee called “a defining moment for Australian sport and for our nation, leaving a legacy that continues to be felt today”.

“The Australian Olympic Committee is deeply saddened by the passing of Bruce Baird and extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

“Bruce made an important contribution to Australia’s Olympic story, particularly through his efforts to help Sydney secure the right to host the 2000 Olympic Games.

“As a senior member of the NSW Government during Sydney’s bid, Bruce was a strong advocate for the Games and played his part in the team effort that culminated in that unforgettable announcement in Monaco in 1993: “And the winner is… Sydney.”

Adding: “We acknowledge Bruce’s contribution to making that remarkable chapter in Australian Olympic history possible.”

Baird also served as deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party between 1992 and 1994.

After leaving state politics, Baird went on to represent the federal seat of Cook between 1998 and 2007 and became known as a moderate within Liberal ranks.

He chaired several parliamentary committees, represented Australia at the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 and later held board and chair roles across tourism, business and the arts.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 and was the father of former NSW premier Mike Baird, journalist Julia Baird and Steve Baird.

Julia revealed the former MP had died “suddenly” on Friday morning, leaving the 84-year-old’s family “still in shock” at their loss, five years on from the death of his wife Judith in April 2021.

She also shared some family photos and memories in tribute to her dad, labelling his loss “like an eclipse”.

“My Dad, Bruce, was a character - a fit, extroverted man who was full of life, had a million friends, was fond of a gossip and a yarn and loved to laugh,” Julia wrote in a post to social media.

“He taught the three of his kids to be bold, to step with certainty and to dream big. ‘You go for it’, he’d say. He was married to Judith, his first girlfriend and great love, for more than half a century.

“In politics, his great passions were securing the Olympics for Sydney in 2000 and ensuring humanitarian treatment of refugees in Australia, crossing the floor to vote for removing children from detention centres.

“Outside of politics, he was a bon vivant who loved parties - all and any parties - champagne, the arts, airport lounges and dodgy jokes. But most of all - ocean swimming.”

Current NSW Liberal Party Leader Kellie Sloane shared a statement as well as offered her condolences with the family in a post on social media.

“He was a supporter of mine – and of many others who wanted to make a contribution to public life. We will all miss him tremendously,” she wrote.

Former deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Julie Bishop, also sent the family her condolences, along with a tribute.

“A beautiful man, always a delight to be with and a most dear and loyal friend, I will miss him,” she wrote.

Today Extra co-host David Campbell remembered Bruce as “a shining light who was so generous with his spirit and time”.

While former 7.30 host Leigh Sales said Bruce was “a man who elevated the mood of every room he was in”.