New job for former premier: strengthening the nation's democracy

The foundation announced on May 30 that Mr Baird would step into the CEO role tasked with "strengthening the nation's democratic institutions" and "improving Australia's public administration".

"It's no secret I'm passionate about the role governments and MPs can play in driving positive change," he said.

"The Susan McKinnon Foundation offers a wholly unique opportunity to contribute more widely to the future of political leadership and democracy in Australia.

The foundation said it is non-partisan and backs practical programs supporting evidence-based policy and public interest journalism, motivated by "long-term public good".

Their major initiatives include running the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership and awarding the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership as well as funding an economic research institute.

He said he was "energised" by the foundation's vision to equip political leaders with the needed skills for holding senior roles.

SMF co-founder Grant Rule said Mr Baird's "reputation as a centrist, can-do leader who has been highly successful in politics and business, makes him the perfect person to lead our organisation".

"The Foundation's non-partisan work is driven by evidence and data rather than ideology. The respect Mike has across the political spectrum will be instrumental in advancing our work,' he said.

The foundation also announced that the former Best & Less CEO Holly Kramer, who served on the boards of Woolworths, Fonterra Co-operative and ANZ, has been appointed as chair.

"I am thrilled to be involved with an organisation that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and I look forward to working with Mike, who will be an outstanding leader for this organisation," she said.

Mr Baird was elected as the member for Manly in 2007 but left office in January 2017 after three tumultuous years as premier enforcing NSW's unpopular 'lockout laws' and "backflipping" on a greyhound racing ban.