Professor Adrian Piccoli was the NSW Minister for Education between 2011 and 2017. During these six years, he led significant education reform in NSW and nationally. His advocacy for quality teaching, needs-based funding for schools and improving the performance of rural and remote students see him regarded as one of the best education ministers in Australia. He holds degrees in economics and law and is now the director of the Gonski Institute for Education at UNSW, and Professor in the School of Education.