Career
Watkins has been the Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer"s Australia (NSW) since 2008. The Chairman of Calvary healthcare since 2011. And the eighth Chancellor of the University of New England, serving between 2013 and 2014.
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. 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 from Cabinet and retired from Parliament in 2008. His retirement triggered the unintentional downfall of Premier Morris Iemma. His resignation came at a bad time for the government.
Its polling numbers were in free fall only a year after winning reelection.
In the ensuing by-election, Ryde was resoundingly lost to Liberal Victor Dominello on a swing of 23.7 percent. Only a year earlier, Watkins had been reelected with 60 percent of the two-party vote.
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). 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 Saint 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.
