Mike Baird’s sudden exit from politics on Thursday morning may have caught us on the hop but it really shouldn’t come as a shock. Politics has always been a tough gig, but never as demanding as it is now, in this era of the 24/7 news cycle and constant, virulent social media commentary.
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Add to those demands the challenge of serious family illness and it becomes apparent why opting out has its attractions. If we’re honest, few of us would subject ourselves to the punishing hours and constant criticism. Few of us would feel upbeat if all of our achievements could evaporate in the instant heat of unbridled and often feverish public opinion that these days is broadcast without filters – and often without thought.
This modern reality was what struck South Coast MP Shelley Hancock in the immediate wash of Mr Baird’s announcement. Her comments came before his press conference, in which he revealed serious illness in his family underpinned his decision to quit. However, they still warrant reflection.
She told how an innocent post by a proud Mr Baird about a sporting achievement of one of his children had prompted a torrent of spiteful commentary. In the more polite era that existed before Facebook and Twitter, that simply wouldn’t have happened. But in the brutal social media space, reflex rules over reason and civility is cast aside. Memory gives way to mockery.
Mr Baird and his government have made plenty of contentious policy decisions: the lockout laws in Sydney, the greyhound ban and subsequent back flip, the council mergers. Each one has stirred up loud interest groups.
Forgotten in all the noise is the fact NSW has been steered out of the economic doldrums to become a financial powerhouse. Mr Baird’s steady hand in taking on his conservative colleagues in Canberra on health and education funding has also been lost in the fog. His calming assurances and calls for tolerance after the Lindt Cafe siege? Also forgotten.
And all the talk of him being a potential prime minister? With such short attention spans, it might as well never have happened.
Mr Baird’s positive influence on this region will be difficult to erase. After being briefed on plans for the Eden Port master plan as treasurer in early 2013, he returned three years later as Premier to confirm $29million in new state monies, allowing the wharf extension to be fully funded in a significant commitment to our future.