A branch of the Public Service Association (PSA) has lashed out after a high ranking public servant, who is a convicted criminal, was appointed Secretary of Justice for NSW.

Michael Coutts-Trotter, the husband of Labor MP Tanya Plibersek, has been appointed the head of ‘Safer Communities’, a merging of Family and Community Services (FACs) and Justice departments.

At the age of 19, he was arrested and later convicted of drug use and supply and served 2 years and 9 months in jail.

He currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of FACs with a long history in public service.

But the Prison Officers Vocational Brand, a branch of the PSA, says prison officers are “outraged” and says it’s “a slap in the face to have a boss that is a crim”.

Ray Hadley says although he’s disagreed with Coutts-Trotter in the past he believes he deserves a chance.

“I think he’s a good bloke. He’s made mistakes in the past, has been rehabilitated, and now is a very productive member of our community.”

Michael Coutts-Trotter spoke exclusively to Ray and says the PSA doesn’t know him well.

“I spent nearly three years in jail in their workplace and I’ve got only admiration and respect for the work prison officers do.

“I just think that the PSA may have an assumption about me. I just want a chance to talk to them so they can get a clearer read on where I’m coming from.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview