John Watkins (Australian politician)

The Honourable John Watkins MA, LLB, DipEd
Deputy Premier of New South Wales
In office 10 August 2005 – 3 September 2008
Preceded by	Andrew Refshauge
Succeeded by	Carmel Tebbutt
Constituency	Ryde
Personal details
Born	7 December 1955 (1955-12-07) Sydney, New South Wales
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Australian Labor Party
Spouse(s)	Deborah Watkins
Profession	Teacher
Religion	Roman Catholic

John Arthur Watkins (born 7 December 1955) is a former Deputy Premier of New South Wales, serving between 2005 until his resignation from Parliament in 2008. In 2008 Watkins was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer's Australia (NSW).

Watkins was an elected member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing the electorates of Gladesville (between 1995 and 1999) and then Ryde (between 1999 and 2008) for the Australian Labor Party. During his parliamentary career, Watkins served in a range of ministerial portfolios including Fair Trading, Sport and Recreation, Police and Corrective Services, Transport, Finance, State Development, and Education and Training. Often touted as a possible Labor premier, Watkins was from the minority Labor Left faction.

Ministerial career

Watkins was the former Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Transport and Minister for Finance. Watkins was appointed Deputy Premier in August 2005, following the resignation of Andrew Refshauge and upon the appointment of Morris Iemma as Premier. Watkins held the cabinet position of Transport Minister from January 2005. He was appointed Minister for Finance on 30 March 2007 following the reelection of the Iemma Government. Watkins resigned also ministerial portfolios in 2008. His retirement also triggered the unintentional downfall of Premier Morris Iemma.

Prior ministerial posts included Minister for Police (2003–2005 and 2006–2007), Minister for Education (2001–2003) and Minister for Fair Trading and Sports (1999–2001).

Early years and background

Watkins is married to Deborah and together they have five children. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Master of Arts degree and a Diploma of Education. Prior to becoming a politician, Watkins was a school teacher at St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

Watkins was a former Alderman on Hunters Hill Municipal Council from 1987 to 1991, and held the position of Deputy Mayor.

External links

• The Hon. John Arthur Watkins  – New South Wales Parliament webpage
• Inaugural speech to the Legislative Assembly  – Hansard. 17 October 1995

Parliament of New South Wales
Preceded by Ivan Petch	Member for Gladesville 1995 – 1999	District abolished
New district	Member for Ryde 1999 – 2008	Succeeded by Victor Dominello
Political offices
Preceded by Jeff Shaw, QC	Minister for Fair Trading 1999 – 2001	Succeeded by Reba Meagher
Preceded by Gabrielle Harrison	Minister for Sport and Recreation 1999 – 2001	Succeeded by Sandra Nori as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
Preceded by Bob Debus	Minister for Corrective Services 2001	Succeeded by Bob Debus
Preceded by John Aquilina	Minister for Education and Training 2001 – 2003	Succeeded by Andrew Refshauge
Preceded by Paul Whelan	Minister for Police 2003 – 2005	Succeeded by Carl Scully
Preceded by Michael Costa as Minister for Transport Services	Minister for Transport 2005 – 2008	Succeeded by Eric Roozendaal
Preceded by Michael Egan	Minister for State Development 2005 – 2006	Succeeded by Morris Iemma
Preceded by Andrew Refshauge	Deputy Premier of New South Wales 2005 – 2008	Succeeded by Carmel Tebbutt
Preceded by Carl Scully	Minister for Police 2006  – 2007	Succeeded by David Campbell
Preceded by John Della Bosca	Minister for Finance 2007 – 2008	Succeeded by Joe Tripodi