Thousands Turn Out In Sydney To Protest Mike Baird’s Leadership

May 29, 2016

Just days after Mike Baird posted an almost-unbelievably provocative Facebook status to celebrate the opening night of Vivid Sydney, thousands have once again taken to the streets in protest – this time directing their anger at Baird’s leadership.

The March Against Mike kicked off at Sydney Town Hall on Sunday afternoon before making its way to NSW Parliament.

On this occasion #marchagainstmike was addressing more than just the lockout laws, with crowds taking aim at Baird’s lenient policy with regards to casinos, the WestConnex, increased police powers against protestors, TAFE funding cuts, the removal of trees in the eastern suburbs and the sacking of 42 mayors and counselors as part of Baird’s controversial council amalgamation plan.

Former mayor of the now defunct Leichardt council Darcy Byrne spoke at the rally, accusing the Premier of undermining local democracy. “We know what his real agenda is: having eliminated all organised governmental opposition he plans to give the green light to WestConnex, to rush through wall-to-wall skyscrapers in the Bays Precinct, Parramatta Road and the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor,” Byrne said. “It’s time to send him a message, take a stand and say that we will resist his rule.”

Although numbers are yet to be confirmed, estimates have placed as many as five thousand protesters at the march.

https://twitter.com/AlyxG/status/736784071980810241

Check out some of the best images and signs from today’s rally, below.

https://twitter.com/AlyxG/status/736779512109637632

Very unusual for so many people to protest about a premier over so many issues #nswpol #MarchAgainstMike pic.twitter.com/icXFTbnXtd

— Nell Schofield (@nellevision) May 29, 2016

Here's one for the pool room @mikebairdMP @abcnews @ABCNews24 @9NewsSyd #nswpol #MARCHAGAINSTMIKE pic.twitter.com/mcxH9xxq5h

— word to your mother (@mon_marsh) May 29, 2016