Outgoing NSW Premier Mike Baird has joked about his resignation in an Australia Day speech celebrating the everyday heroism of ordinary people.
Taking to the stage at Sydney's new International Convention Centre after a performance by Guy Sebastian, Mr Baird shared his passion for the singer's music, saying "look, it's my last speech so I can indulge myself".
Mr Baird revealed his planned exit from politics via social media on Thursday morning, citing serious health challenges his parents and sister are facing.
His tenure ends next week after being in the top job for two years and nine months, with Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian set to become the 45th premier of NSW.
At the NSW Australia Day Lunch a day after his shock resignation and an emotional press conference, Mr Baird jokingly accepted host Sarah Harris's earlier declaration that he was the best-looking NSW premier.
Later he learned she'd said it to win a bet.
"Obviously reflecting on 10 years in public life, you kind of put out things you're most proud of, I didn't see that she chose from that list, in terms of what she attributed to me," he said.
"I wasn't looking to be the best-looking premier, but I'll take it.
"There are other things if you want to look at the list though."
Mr Baird's speech turned serious when he reflected on the heroism of everyday Australians - including the midwife who saved his wife Kerryn's life.
"At a critical moment when Kerryn was giving birth to our second child she came from nowhere, because Kerryn was having a postpartum haemorrhage and was in a terrible position," he said.
"I saw her slipping away from me while I'm holding my daughter."
Reflecting further on the bravery and service of several NSW residents, he said it was one of the great privileges and highlights of his time in public life that he got to meet them.
"It is why I leave in many respects with mixed emotions, but I know that this state and country will continue to be the greatest in the world because we have people like that, that make it so special," he said.
