CANBERRA, ACT, Oct. 2 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:
With the passing of Bruce Baird, Australia has lost a real gentleman and a true parliamentarian.
Bruce had the uncommon distinction of serving his nation as a Liberal member at both the state and federal level, including as Transport Minister in the Greiner NSW Government. It was a portfolio he handled with such aplomb that I was pleased to appoint him years later as the inaugural chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Board.
Then of course there was his glittering success as the minister in charge of Sydney's bid for the 2000 Olympic Games.
In whichever role he served, whether it was in Parliament or leading bodies including the Tourism ...