Mike Baird always made clear he was a visitor to politics. He said he wanted to make a difference then move on. With his shock resignation on Thursday he has stayed true to his word.
![Departing Premier Mike Baird leaves the state in far better condition than when he took public office.](/web/20170120132941im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/u/g/r/a/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtuew5.png/1484827685901.jpg)
The Herald has often disagreed with Mr Baird's decisions, especially in the past year. Even so, his (now lamentably brief) record as one of Australia's most popular and able political leaders will stand. History will remember his achievements better than his failures. That distinguishes him from many of his predecessors.
Three years ago the soon-to-be ex-premier took to the office with a shiny reputation as a highly disciplined, one-time investment banking treasurer who got things done. He leaves with the state's finances in robust health. That's a big tick. The state's net debt position is at a long-term low and the budget is set to run at a surplus close to $4 billion this financial year. Mr Baird can rightly claim credit, even if luck played a part as the property boom inflated stamp duty revenues, and even if Gladys Berejiklian as treasurer shares in the credit.
By setting himself apart from the machine of career politics so unpopular with voters, the cleanskin with the "dad-next-door" image and try-hard social media profile was able to pursue bold policies eschewed by others as career-killers. Case in point is the privatisation of the state's electricity networks.
Two out of three voters objected when he took it to the 2015 election as his centrepiece policy, yet he won the vote, was lauded as Australia's most popular politician "Magic Mike", and got on with it. His signature "asset recycling" strategy has unlocked billions for long overdue investment in the state's infrastructure, especially roads and rails, but also schools and hospitals. Projects like Sydney Rapid Transit and Sydney Metro will transform the city.
After his predecessor's ignominious downfall and his party's shaming at the ICAC inquiry into political fundraising, and despite a swing against it, which puts Labor within reach of office for 2019, Mr Baird rescued the Liberal government from electoral oblivion against the odds.
But what some see as strong political leadership looks like arrogance to others. In 2016 he burned through his political capital with a range of unpopular policies. The idea was right on council mergers but its implementation was politically tone deaf. He insisted that banning greyhound racing was the moral thing to do to stop the sickening number of dog deaths but in the end caved to pressure and overturned the ban. The decision to trial a modest relaxation of the state's controversial lock-out laws was more soundly based on an appropriate consultation process.
It was also right to review the performance of the Independent Commission Against Corruption but by in effect pushing out ICAC commissioner Megan Latham and diminishing the likelihood of public inquiries, Mr Baird risked looking like he'd bowed to Liberal extremes and the motley collective seeking revenge against her. Even his $20 billion infrastructure "miracle" lost sparkle due to the heavy-handed compulsory acquisition of homes to make way for the WestConnex motorway and Sydney Metro rail line.
Mr Baird admits the failure to force national GST reform, which would direct more federal tax revenue to the states for schools and hospitals, is among his regrets. On social policy he found more money for Familes and Community Services workers but copped flak for closing womens' shelters. He stands accused of riding roughshod over environmentalists' concerns and of acceding too readily to James Packer's controversial ambitions for the casino at Barangaroo.
Most will sympathise that he wants more time with his family, especially given the health issues involved. But some will wonder whether he chose to leave because the job all got a bit hard. That would be unfair. Mr Baird goes out with the Coalition ahead of Labor by 53 to 47 on a two-party preferred basis, having recovered much of last year's lost ground in the polls. By stepping down now, he gives his successor – probably Gladys Berejiklian – time enough to get some runs on the board in the two years before the next state election.
After 10 years in the Parliament, three years as treasurer and nearly three as premier, Mike Baird leaves the state in far better condition than when he took public office. He has carried out his responsibilities with a decency and integrity informed by his strong Christian faith. The Herald thanks him for his services and wishes him and his family well for the future.