Nicholas Kotsiras emigrated from Greece to Australia in 1964 and was first elected the Member for Bulleen in 1999. He was re-elected in 2002, 2006 and 2010.

He undertook his primary education at George Street Primary School in Fitzroy, his secondary education at Thornbury High School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (Education) Degree at the University of Melbourne. Before entering the Victorian Parliament he was a secondary school science and mathematics teacher. He has taught in both the public and independent school sectors.

Nicholas worked as an advisor to the Victorian Premier, Hon. Jeff Kennett, on multicultural affairs and was a ministerial advisor and later Chief of Staff to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, Hon. Phil Honeywood. He has been an opposition spokesman since 2001 and a member of Shadow Cabinet since 2006. Nicholas has previously been the Liberal spokesman on Technology and Innovation, Youth Affairs and Tourism. He held several Shadow Ministries, including Youth, Sport and Recreation, Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and Innovation.

He has held a number of positions on Parliamentary Committees, including: Deputy Chair, Education and Training Committee 2003-November 2010, Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee 2007-November 2010, House Committee 2007-November 2010. He has been Acting Speaker since March 2004.

Nicholas and his wife Angela have three children.