The '' Sydney Morning Herald '' described Baird 's government as " the most devout in living memory , " with a concentration of powerful religious figures in its upper echelons . Baird 's chief of staff , Bay Warburton , once said that in his role as chief of staff he is serving Jesus , " and Mike ( Baird ) , who 's the Treasurer — he believes he 's serving Jesus as the Treasurer of the state . He believes that he has a great opportunity to help people by making responsible decisions about the money from this state . " On the morning of 15 December 2014 , a lone gunman , Man Haron Monis , held hostage ten customers and eight employees of a Lindt chocolate café located at Martin Place , Sydney . Baird addressed the media during the stand-off , and stated " we are being tested today ... in Sydney . The police are being tested , the public is being tested , but whatever the test we will face it head on and we will remain a strong democratic , civil society . I have full confidence in the Police Commissioner and the incredible work of the NSW police force . On 20 March 2015 , Baird met with staff at the re-opened café , stating the staff and company : " ... Are saying that they want to be strong for their friends , they want to be strong for this city and state "
held hostage ten customers and eight employees
2014 Sydney hostage crisis
Mike Baird