John Watkins (Australian politician)

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Deputy Premier of New South Wales
John Watkins

Incumbent
Assumed office August, 2005
Preceded by	Andrew Refshauge
Constituency	Ryde

Born	7 December 1955 (1955-12-07) (age 52) Sydney, New South Wales
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Australian Labor Party
Spouse	Deborah Watkins
Profession	Teacher

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. Watkins is a prominent member of Labor's left faction.

[edit] Ministerial career

Watkins is currently 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 upon the appointment of Morris Iemma as Premier.

Watkins has held the cabinet position of Transport Minister since January 2005. He was appointed Minister for Finance on 30 March 2007 following the reelection of the Iemma Government.

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).

[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 Hunters 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.