Watkins, John

John Watkins AM is a former Deputy Premier of New South Wales and served as the eighth Chancellor of the University of New England (2013 – 2014). A career parliamentarian representing the seats of Gladesville and Ryde (1995–2008), he held multiple senior cabinet portfolios including Minister for Education, Police, and Transport.

Following his political retirement in 2008, Watkins became a prominent figure in the non-profit health sector, serving as CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and in leadership roles for Calvary Healthcare and Parkinson’s NSW.

His appointment as UNE Chancellor in April 2013 was focused on providing institutional stability during a period of transition. Watkins resigned the chancellorship in June 2014, citing the extensive time commitments of his diverse professional responsibilities and his commitment to ensuring the university had dedicated leadership to navigate upcoming sectoral reforms.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2015 for his significant service to the community through leadership in health, education, and the Parliament of New South Wales.