Overview
Following this morning's shock announcement from Premier Mike Baird that he will be resigning as of next week, Sydney nightlife guardians and vocal Baird opponents Keep Sydney Open have issued a public statement giving their take on the Premier's sudden departure from politics. The Premier stated during this morning's press conference that "there is a strong personal cost" that led to his decision, namely a number of serious illnesses in his immediate family.
Tyson Koh, director of the guerilla movement, was quick to state that, "We never hoped for Premier Baird's resignation, instead we hoped he would be a constructive partner who'd pursue smart policy that could make Sydney both vibrant and safe." Koh offered respectful words for Baird, who has served at the helm of the New South Wales government since 2014. "We wish the Premier well," he said. "His commitment to the job during health crises in the Baird family is admirable and we wish only the best for them."
However, Koh criticised the current Liberal government, saying they are "out of touch" and "not listening". He continued to reinforce the idea that Mike Baird's resignation does not end the fight against the lockout laws, saying, "Keep Sydney Open's role in NSW will not be ending with the political career of Mike Baird." Koh made the point that the government is now faced with an opportunity to embrace and support Sydney's dying nightlife, saying, "We are ready to work with the new leader of the government to achieve all of these results."
In the statement he released via Twitter this morning, Premier Baird said that a leadership spill that will decide the next Premier would occur next week. Speculation is rife that Gladys Berejiklian, Baird's deputy and NSW Treasurer, is most likely to take the reins as a result of that spill. Berejiklian is the leader of the more moderate section of the state Liberal Party, so it isn't too far-fetched to think that there is potential she will come to the table to debate overturning what Koh has called "the blunt instrument of a curfew".
Despite the fact that their most staunch rival has stepped down as the head of the state government, Keep Sydney Open will go ahead with their protest this weekend, with Koh stating that they are "ready to defend the vibrancy, colour and small businesses of our community against any lawmakers who unfairly target them."
Image: Kimberley Low.