John Watkins (Australian politician)

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John Arthur Watkins (born December 7, 1955) is an Australian Labor Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, presently holding the seat of Ryde. He was originally elected to the Assembly in 1995 when he won the previously safe Liberal seat of Gladesville, before switching to the new seat of Ryde in 1999 when electoral boundaries were redrawn.

[edit] Ministerial career

Watkins was appointed Deputy Premier of the current Iemma Government in August 2005, and has also held the cabinet position of Transport Minister since January 2005.

Prior ministerial posts for Watkins have included Minister of Police (2003-2005), Minister of Education (2001-2003) and Minister of Fair Trading and Sports (1999-2001).

With the resignation of Police Minister Carl Scully on October 25 2006, John Watkins was given control of the Police portfolio concurrently with the Transport brief.

[edit] Background

Watkins is married to Deborah. They have 5 children.

Watkins 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 the prestigious St. Joseph's College in Hunter's Hill. His wife also does relief teaching at a number of schools.

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