Arabic version: وفاة النائب الليبرالي السابق بروس بيرد عن 84 عاماً

According to The Guardian, former federal Liberal MP and New South Wales minister Bruce Baird has died aged 84. Baird was a former deputy leader of the Liberal party’s NSW branch and served as the state’s transport minister from 1988 to 1995.

As a NSW minister, Baird was instrumental in lobbying for Sydney to host the 2000 Olympic Games. He later entered federal parliament as the member for Cook, retiring before the 2007 election, when Scott Morrison won the seat.

Baird was the father of former NSW premier Mike Baird, ABC journalist Julia Baird and marketing executive Steve Baird. Morrison described him as “a giant, a mentor and a friend” who served his country, state and community in the shire. He said Baird’s achievements included his role in Sydney’s successful Olympic bid.

NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said Baird had been driven by service, conviction and compassion, earning respect across political affiliations. A NSW Liberal spokesperson expressed condolences to his family. Baird was also a supporter of refugees, opposing the Howard government’s mandatory detention of asylum seekers and later joining Kevin Rudd’s refugee resettlement advisory council. In 2010, he criticised the reopening of Curtin detention centre in Western Australia.

Baird was a regular participant in Manly’s Bold and Beautiful ocean swimming club. A squad member confirmed his death on Friday, while organiser Peter Anthony had described him to club members as a “wonderful friend to so many of us”.