4th March, 2015
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird and Opposition Leader Luke Foley addressed several hundred Christians at a pre-election event organised by the Australian Christian Lobby in Sydney Tuesday night.
Mr Baird was reportedly overcome with emotion as he discussed the plight of the homeless and disadvantaged youth during the Make It Count event held at the Village Church in Annandale.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Baird "appeared to wipe away tears" as he reflected on the fact that he had been given the opportunity to see the work of organisations supporting youth in crisis in NSW and added that "in a faith context, as we know, every single person matters". He said he couldn’t think of anything more important than "telling these kids they do".
Mr Baird had earlier discussed the role of Christianity in public life and how he had been forced to make difficult financial decisions to allow the government to do things such as protecting society’s vulnerable.
Meanwhile Opposition Leader Luke Foley reportedly said that a Christian voice in the public square was "based on a concern for the common good". He said the "golden rule" of treating others as you would like them to treat you had "anchored" his involvement in public life".
ACL managing director Lyle Shelton said the ACL was grateful for the leaders’ "willingness to engage with the state’s Christian constituency and…be open about how their faith informs their approach to public policy".
"It was great to see both leaders state that there is an important place for faith in public life and both recognise the role Christianity has had in shaping our society."
NSW voters will go to the polls on 28th March.
– DAVID ADAMS
