NSW Premier Mike Baird says taking a hit in the popularity stakes over a number of controversial decisions, including the ban on greyhounds, is all part of the job.
A Newspoll published in The Australian on Thursday shows Mr Baird's approval rating has crashed from 61 per cent to 39 per cent since December and his disapproval rating has more than doubled.
"We have made a number of decisions in the past few months that aren't easy but I believe that the right thing is for the long term future of the state," he said in Sydney on Thursday.
"Yes that has come at a cost and a consequence, but in the long term I hope the people of NSW see a government that listens, that makes decisions that are not necessarily popular but the right things to do."
Despite a majority of voters judging the NSW greyhound racing ban as unfair, Mr Baird stood firm behind his decision to shut down the industry from July 2017.
"We have made an absolute decision in relation to this issue on the basis of evidence... and we think this is the right decision."
"It is the job of the government to consider the evidence and the facts and make decisions not just for today and for today's headlines but for the future."
The premier also denied rumours of any tensions and growing disunity with his deputy premier and Nationals leader Troy Grant, who's facing increasing pressure within cabinet over the Greyhound ban.
"Troy Grant and I are great mates, we are right alongside each other on all issues and we continue to do that," Mr Baird said.
The state government has tasked the Greyhounds Transition Taskforce Co-ordinator-General, John Keniry, with shaping an assistance package to support breeders and others affected by the ban.
Mr Baird said the report will be out in a couple of weeks.
