Bruce Baird was elected to the NSW Parliament in 1984 and held a number of shadow portfolios including Transport, Aboriginal Affairs and Finance. On election of the Greiner Government, Bruce was appointed as Minister Of Transport and Roads. In 1990 he was appointed Minister of Sydney's successful Olympic Games, and in 1993 became Minister for Tourism. He was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in 1993. In 1998 he was elected to the Federal Parliament where he was Chairman of a number of committees including the House Economics Committee. Upon leaving Parliament he joined a number of industry boards in the tourism, transport and arts sectors.