Obituary: Bruce George Baird AM 1942-2026

Key points

• Bruce Baird, a former NSW and federal politician, died suddenly on 2 October 2026 at age 84. He served as a state minister, including for Sydney’s successful 2000 Olympic bid, and later in federal parliament.
• Baird was known for his advocacy against mandatory asylum seeker detention and his roles in tourism and transport.
• He was a regular member of the Bold and Beautiful ocean swimming club at Manly and Shelly Beach.