Source : Perth Now news
Former Liberal politician Bruce Baird has died aged 84.
Mr Baird represented the southeast Sydney seat of Cook in the federal parliament from 1998 and retired before the 2007 election.
He was also the NSW member for Northcotte from 1984 to 1995 and held several ministries before he entered federal politics.
Mr Baird is the father of ABC journalist Julia Baird and former NSW Premier Mike Baird.
The NSW Liberal Party said in a statement on Friday that Mr Baird was a party stalwart and a greatly respected politician who served the people of NSW in state and federal parliaments.
“We offer our deepest condolences on behalf of all members to his family at this difficult time,” the statement read.
Mr Baird was appointed the minister for the highly successful Sydney Olympic Games in 1990 and became Tourism Minister in 1993.
He served as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in 1993 and went onto chair several committees when he joined the federal parliament in 1998.
Liberal MP Matt Cross paid tribute to Mr Baird saying he was devastated and would be greatly missed.
“Bruce was a long-time mentor to me, and to so many others. It’s hard to comprehend his passing,” he said.
“On a personal note, Bruce and I grew close through our shared Christian faith. He always encouraged me to have a go and was never short of a thoughtful opinion. I’ll miss his friendship, mentorship and guidance.”
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pescue acknowledged Mr Baird’s passing with great sadness.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the Kamy Board with Bruce who was the chair of the board,” he said.
“Condolences and prayers go out to his family.”
Pastor coach Michael Murphy said he was saddened to hear of Mr Baird’s death.
“I had the privilege of knowing Bruce personally during my years as senior pastor of Shire Live,” he said.
“We enjoyed a warm and collegiate relationship, along with a shared passion to see the Sutherland Shire continue to move forward and flourish.
“I always appreciated Bruce’s genuine interest in people, his commitment to public service and his love for the community he represented.”
Mr Baird was born in 1942 and grew up in Cronulla he went onto study a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney and a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Melbourne.
He held diplomatic posts in Germany and New York during the 1970s and 80s.
