Communities and Justice

Commissioner Peter Severin says a COVID-safe farewell

Last published on 30 Jul 2021 

Peter Severin will on Saturday hang up his cap following nine years as Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW and a 41-year career in corrections, admitting his farewell plans had gone “pear-shaped” due to COVID-19.

“With the current stay at home orders in Greater Sydney and the NSW Health advice, I have not been able to visit workplaces to meet staff and say good bye, which is regrettable and sad,” Mr Severin said.

“I thank staff for the many well wishes I have received since announcing my retirement and I thank you for the fantastic work you do in keeping NSW communities safe.

“I sincerely wish all of you the very best for the future and hope to stay in touch with many.  I will always consider this period of my employment as one of the most important parts of my career.”

A formal marching out Parade at Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy was to be held today to farewell Mr Severin, but it has been postponed to later this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Assistant Commissioner Custodial Corrections Kevin Corcoran will be Acting Commissioner, CSNSW from 1 August 2021. Mr Corcoran started his corrections career in South Australia as a prison officer, worked in senior executive roles in Queensland Corrections and has been with CSNSW since 2014.

“Peter and I go back 27 years in corrections as I first met him when he was the manager of the main Queensland female correctional centre on the old Boggo Road Gaol site near the Brisbane CBD,” Mr Corcoran said.

“During the past eight years we’ve been involved in some ground breaking work including the design and construction of thousands of new prison beds and the reducing reoffending strategies developed and implemented over the past few years.

“I thank Peter for his support and guidance during this period. I am sure that he will not be looking for things to do in coming years as he will be exceedingly busy as the President of the International Corrections and Prisons Association.”

Mr Severin began his career as a prison officer in Germany on 1 October 1980, and quickly rose through the ranks. He worked with QLD Corrective Services for 15 years, his last position as Deputy Director-General, and was chief executive of the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia for nine years.

Assistant Commissioner Offender Management and Programs Anne Marie Martin has been appointed to lead Custodial Corrections while Mr Corcoran is acting as Commissioner.

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Last updated:

17 Nov 2021