LEETON shire councillor Michael Kidd is concerned Mike Baird’s shock resignation could spell trouble for country areas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cr Kidd said small towns such as Leeton already missed out when it came to funding.
He worried with upheaval in the cabinet rural areas would again be left wanting.
“It certainly was quite a shock,” Cr Kidd said.
“I do think things weren’t necessarily going his way lately and he did try his best.
“There didn’t seem to be much spending happening in regional areas … all of the big infrastructure work was happening in Sydney.
“I don’t see that getting any better.”
Mr Baird’s resignation will mean a further reshuffle of the NSW cabinet.
He said his decision to retire was about the timing.
”In my maiden speech in 2007, I said I was entering politics to make a difference in people’s lives - not to become another career politician,” Mr Baird said.
“After 10 years in politics - three as Treasurer and three as Premier - I am making good on that pledge and announcing my retirement from public office.”
Many believe current Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian will take up the top job.
Cr Kidd was hopeful a change at the top could mean a different view on council amalgamations.
“Local government is critical in small communities,” he said.
Mr Baird’s retirement has cast a further shadow of doubt over whether Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli will retain his place on the frontbench ahead of the upcoming cabinet reshuffle.
On Thursday morning Mr Piccoli said he hadn’t known of Mr Baird’s plans to retire, but wasn’t entirely surprised at the announcement.
“He always said he was in there to make a difference, he wasn’t in there for a 20 year political career and there are some personal issues, illness in the family as well,” Mr Piccoli said.
“I think it is a sign of the decency of the guy, it is not all about him, there’s no ego here.” Mr Piccoli, who has been Education Minister for the past six years, said he hoped to keep his portfolio in the upcoming Coalition cabinet reshuffle.