New Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close has extensive experience in the justice sector. Photo: Risk 2 Solution.
A former senior AFP and ACT police officer who led the committee tasked with improving the culture and performance of the ACT Emergency Services Agency has been appointed to lead ACT Corrective Services.
Leanne Close will take up the role of ACTCS Commissioner from 13 January, following selection from a national recruitment process.
Ms Close will be responsible for the executive leadership of the ACT Corrective Services, including the adult prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre, and community corrections.
Corrections Minister Dr Marisa Paterson welcomed the appointment of an experienced leader in the justice sector to such a critical role.
“Leanne Close brings more than 30 years of justice sector experience to this important position,” Dr Paterson said.
“ACT Corrective Services plays a critical role in contributing to the safety and security of the ACT community.
“I look forward to working with the new commissioner to build on the work of her predecessors in delivering secure and humane custody for detainees, with a focus on the delivery of the rehabilitative, educational and vocational programs.”
Dr Paterson said her role would include continuing to build the corrections workforce in the ACT.
Ms Close will be responsible for the executive leadership of the ACT Corrective Services, including the Alexander Maconochie Centre. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
During her time in the justice sector, Ms Close worked in the AFP and ACT Policing for 30 years, with her most recent roles as Deputy Commissioner Operations and Deputy Commissioner National Security. She also spent time as Deputy Secretary, Criminal Justice Group, at the federal Attorney-General’s Department.
In the past four years, she has been Head of Counter Terrorism and National Security Programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. She is a member of the Victorian Department of Justice and Safety Expert Advisory Group.
Last year, she took on the ESA change project, a key recommendation of the review into the agency’s executive management. The review found a culture of blame, fear and lack of trust among executives.
Dr Paterson said she looked forward to seeing Ms Close apply her experience and passion to positively change lives, reduce reoffending and increase community safety.
“Corrective services can be a challenging environment and Ms Close will also have a focus on continuing to improve workforce wellbeing and building workforce capacity through training, programs, support and facilities,” Dr Paterson said.
“I thank the acting commissioners, Narelle Pamplin and Bruno Aloisi, for their contributions to the ongoing operations and management of ACTCS while the recruitment of a permanent commissioner has been undertaken.”
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on Riotact.
