As they say in the classics, a week is a long time in politics.
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At the start of the week, nobody really expected any major shifts in the political sphere in New South Wales. It wasn’t out of the question but it wasn’t really expected.
Then the Premier Mike Baird dropped a massive bomb via Twitter nonetheless. The Premier tweeted the words “I’m retiring from politics. It’s been an honour to serve you, NSW”.
The accompanying statement explained he was stepping down as Premier and giving a colleague a chance to steer the NSW Liberal Government towards the 2019 election.
Premier Baird stressed family reasons and a belief that he had done all he felt he could as leader as the main reasons for his departure.
Yet there was also a sense the Premier had spent a lot of his political capital. His once golden image tarnished by an unwavering stance relating to a number of controversial big ticket issues.
On his way out, the Premier gave a clear nod to his Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian to succeed him at the helm.
While trying not to rain on Mr Baird’s parade, the Treasurer confirmed she would indeed endeavour to be the second female Premier of New South Wales.
In the space of the next 12 hours others weighed up their options only then bow out of the race.
It appears – despite the wailings of “shock jock” Alan Jones – the Treasurer will be the choice to replace Mike Baird. Then, not to be outdone, the Nations decide to shake things up more on Friday.
Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro (pictured) declared that it was time to “draw a line in the sand over council amalgamations”.
The member for Monaro declared it as the end of the line for local government mergers still pending in regional areas.
His wording could not have been stronger.
“That all stops today,’’ his statement said.
What NSW started the week with politically is far removed already from what it finished the week with.
There will be a lot to play out over the course of next week and given the events of the past two weeks it will most likely make for compelling viewing.
What is now certain is the Wollongong and Shellharbour councils will be waiting anxiously on the intentions of the new Premier.
