- Michael Coutts-Trotter
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Michael Coutts-Trotter, an Australian public servant, is the Director-General of the New South Wales Department of Finance and Services.
Biography
Coutts-Trotter matriculated from Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview and the University of Technology, Sydney, with a degree in journalism.[1]
Prior to his current appointment, Coutts-Trotter was appointed Director-General of the New South Wales Department of Education and Training in April 2007. He was director-general of the NSW Department of Commerce from 2004 to 2007, and chief of staff to the New South Wales Treasurer from 1998 to 2004.
His appointment as Director-General of the Department of Education was criticised by opposition members of Parliament, the NSW Teachers Federation and the Public Principals Forum for his lack of experience in teaching and education.[2] The Teachers Federation also questioned his criminal background;[1] with the Federation's president, Maree O'Halloran, saying that a teacher with his background would be unable to continue teaching.
Appointing him to his current role on 1 April 2011, the Premier of New South Wales Barry O'Farrell said that Coutts-Trotter's skills would allow this new department to deliver on its results.[3]
Personal ife
In 1986, at the age of 19, he was imprisoned for less than three years of a nine year sentence for conspiracy to import narcotics. At the time he was a heroin user. He recovered from his addiction through a Salvation Army program.[1] He told the ABC in April 2007 that his criminal past made him more determined to do a good job.[2]
Coutts-Trotter is married to Tanya Plibersek, a Labor MP and the federal Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women.
References
- ^ a b c Welch, Dylan; Patty, Anna (11 April 2007). "Give me a chance: schools' chief". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/give-me-a-chance-schools-chief/2007/04/11/1175971135891.html. Retrieved 20 April 2007.
- ^ a b "New schools' boss defends criminal past". ABC News (Australia). 11 April 2007. http://abc.net.au/news/items/200704/1894452.htm?nsw. Retrieved 12 April 2007.
- ^ "O'Farrell puts stamp on public service". The Australian. AAP. 1 April 2011. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/ofarrell-puts-stamp-on-public-service/story-fn3dxity-1226032271210. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
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