John Watkins (Australian politician)
John Arthur Watkins AM (born 7 December 1955) is a former Deputy Premier of New South Wales, serving between 2005 until his resignation from Parliament in 2008. Watkins was the Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer's Australia (NSW) from 2008 – 2017 when it merged into Dementia Australia; the Chairman of Calvary healthcare from 2011 – 2019; and the eighth Chancellor of the University of New England, serving between 2013 and 2014.
The Honourable John Watkins AM | |
|---|---|
| Deputy Premier of New South Wales | |
| In office 10 August 2005 – 3 September 2008 | |
| Premier | Morris Iemma |
| Preceded by | Andrew Refshauge |
| Succeeded by | Carmel Tebbutt |
| Constituency | Ryde |
| Chancellor of the University of New England | |
| In office 17 April 2013 – 30 June 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Torbay |
| Succeeded by | James Harris |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 December 1955 Sydney, New South Wales |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Spouse | Deborah Watkins |
| Profession | Teacher |
Watkins was an elected as a 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 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.