History ...
The state's new top educator has defended himself from allegations by the Opposition that he is unsuitable for the job because of his history as a heroin addict and criminal, who spent almost three years in jail on a drug charge.
Speaking on 2UE radio this morning Michael Coutts-Trotter, who was yesterday appointed director-general of the Education Department, said while he understood the criticism and felt it a "not unreasonable question", he was appropriate for the job.
"It's been a question that's been asked at every point in my career and I have revealed my background at every point in my career," he said.
"I've been lucky enough to encounter people along the way who have been prepared to give me the benefit of the doubt, allow me to prove myself and to reserve their judgement, and I hope [Opposition education spokesman Brad] Hazzard will do that and give me a chance to really get into this job."
Yesterday Mr Coutts-Trotter was targeted by Mr Hazzard, who suggested the appointment was a political fix.
"The question really is, how is it, that someone who had a nine-year jail sentence for drug importation and who has no educational qualifications ends up as the director-general of public eduction in NSW? And the answer might well be that he's a Labor mate," Mr Hazzard said.
However, Mr Coutts-Trotter told smh.com.au that he has been appointed purely on merit.
He said: "I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think I could do it and take on the responsibility,'' he said.
"I need to explain the facts of my life and I'm quite prepared to.
"Twenty three years ago I was convicted of a very serious drug offence. I was a drug user and a drug seller and luckily and remarkably in life I've been given a second chance.
"For every job I've applied for, I've indicated the facts of my life. I've told people about who I am, what I've done. And I've gone for those jobs on merit.
"I've got 12 years experience in the public sector, much of it at a very senior level and I've been judged on performance, not on what happened 23 years ago.
"It is legitimate, but the more time passes and the more I do at work, the less relevant I think it becomes.''
Mr Coutts-Trotter said he had undergone police checks to ensure his suitability for working with children and security clearance from the Commonwealth
.