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NSW premier to clamp down on lobbyists

On his first day as NSW Premier Mike Baird has promised to “transform” the state, promote integrity and clamp down on lobbyists.

Mr Baird said people were “incredibly disappointed and shocked” at what had unfolded at the Independent Commission Against Corruption in the past months, recently bringing down his predecessor Barry O’Farrell.

At Manly Beach on Friday morning, the newly-elected Liberal leader said what NSW needed was “the continued action that the government has taken – but taking it to a new level”.

“Everyone across NSW, they’ve waited for infrastructure, they’ve hoped for infrastructure, well it’s started to come,” he told the Seven Network.

The new premier said clamping down on lobbyists was also a priority.

“There is concern about the influence of lobbyists and donations, it’s something we have to clamp down on.”

He said the government that he has been part of, “hasn’t been anything other than a government of integrity.”

“But the community wants to see further assurances and protections.”

 

Mr Baird will spend Easter planning his new ministerial line-up, which is expected to be announced next week.

The former banker, who has been NSW treasurer, was elected Liberal leader unopposed on Thursday following Barry O’Farrell’s resignation after giving misleading evidence to NSW’s corruption watchdog about the gift of a $3000 bottle of wine.

On a sunny Good Friday, Mr Baird admitted the week had been incredible.

“None of us can really understand the events that happened. We’re in shock about the events that happened.

“We are going to do everything possible to provide this community – which we have done for three years – a government that they can be proud of.”

But he spoke highly of Mr O’Farrell’s legacy.

“As we have reflected on it, I think there’s one clear thing that comes through: Barry O’Farrell has done a great job.

“His legacy is positive and it’s permanent.”

– with AAP

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