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EXCLUSIVE: Keep Sydney Open Slam "Gutless" Mike Baird After Resignation

Neil Griffiths

"He's taken a wrecking ball to much of the city and now doesn't have to face the consequences of his actions."

Anti-lockouts group Keep Sydney Open has slammed NSW Premier Mike Baird's resignation today as "gutless".

In a statement given to The Music, KSO campaign director, Tyson Koh, said, "Baird's resignation has come about because he refused to listen to community groups such as ours.

"He's taken a wrecking ball to much of the city and now doesn't have to face the consequences of his actions.

"It's quite gutless, really."

Koh added that the group's campaign to end the lockouts will continue when a new Premier is announced next week. 

"Keep Sydney Open will keep up the pressure on the new Premier, who we hope will work with us to restore Sydney's nightlife and confidence as a music destination."

Keep Sydney Open will be hosting their first night rally in Kings Cross this weekend, where Flight Facilities are set to perform.

UPDATE: 

Keep Sydney Open have since released a public statement on the resignation of Mike Baird.

"We wish the Premier well. His commitment to the job during health crises in the Baird family is admirable and we wish only the best for them," Koh said in the statement. 

"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.

"Mike Baird never pursued that goal. While the greatest cities in the world continue to respect nightlife and enjoy innovative night time safety strategies, Mike Baird refused to consider these examples and instead believed only in the blunt instrument of a curfew.

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"The Premier’s statement today reflected on the successes of Andrew Stoner, Troy Grant, John Barilaro and himself. We reflect on their failure to address Sydney’s night time economy. They proved themselves to be out of touch and not listening. Many people and businesses are suffering but they're too removed to see it. Their lack of leadership failed the community.

"Now the NSW government has a remarkable opportunity before it, Sydney is ready to be revitalised with smart solutions to guarantee fun, culture, economic opportunity and safety for all Sydneysiders. We are ready to work with the new leader of the government to achieve all of these results.

"Keep Sydney Open’s role in NSW will not be ending with the political career of Mike Baird,”said Koh. “Keep Sydney Open is ready to defend the vibrancy, colour and small businesses of our community against any lawmakers who unfairly target them."