The New South Wales premier Mike Baird went on a mission to scrub the slate clean but ended up a shade of red.
The premier’s reputation has suffered over the past 18 months, following criticism of Sydney’s lockout laws and a backflip on banning greyhound racing.
So on Sunday, to mark the state’s graffiti removal day, he took the opportunity to make a fresh start.
In a characteristically tongue-in-cheek Facebook post, Baird posted an image of himself in front of a now-infamous mural depicting him as “casino Mike”, holding a kebab, a glass of wine and cigarette.
“Did you know that NSW has an official ‘graffiti removal day’,” he quipped.
“Well, it does. And it’s today. Just saying.”
But things didn’t quite go to plan. Baird faced an online backlash over the removal of the mural on Sunday. Hundred of comments on his Facebook page were not flattering.
“Yes that artist is far more talented than you, and it’s called street art not graffiti … and adds value to the community,” one person wrote.
“Fantastic … thanks for the picture … this will be great for the anti-Baird campaign at the next election,” another said.
Not all were as considered: “Everyone hates you. Just saying.”
The mural was created by Sydney artist Scott Marsh in response to the city’s lockout laws, which require venues to close their doors at 1.30am and serve last drinks at 3am. Baird holding the kebab references a picture the premier posted of himself eating a chicken kebab on a trip to Israel.
Marsh endorsed one of the more colourful responses in a post on his own Facebook page.
“Hey Mike Baird “Do you know that NSW will have a ‘Removal of current Premier day’?? Its called next election👋🏻” -Craig Hansen (best comment i have seen 😂) #justsaying,” Marsh wrote.
