New Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Announced

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan MP has today announced the appointment of the new Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner.

Dr Peter Martin APM, currently Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service and one of the State’s most distinguished police officers, will commence his new role as Corrections Commissioner in mid-November.

“Dr Martin has committed 38 years to the community as an outstanding police officer and will continue that dedication to the safety of all Queenslanders as our new Corrections Commissioner,” Minister Ryan said.

“Throughout his career serving the people of Queensland, Dr Martin has performed both key operational and corporate roles, including commanding Organisational Capability Command, Brisbane Region, Metropolitan North Region, Operations Support Command and Ethical Standards Command, before being appointed Deputy Commissioner, Regional Operations, in August 2016.

“Dr Martin’s distinguished career, values-based leadership and passion for community safety will be of enormous benefit to Queensland Corrective Services as it implements the most comprehensive reform of Queensland’s parole system in a century.

“Though a significant loss to the Queensland Police Service, Dr Martin will continue his substantial contribution to the safety of all Queenslanders through this new role.”

Dr Martin was the meritorious candidate after being interviewed by an expert panel.

Minister Ryan also paid tribute to outgoing Commissioner Mark Rallings, who stepped down from the role in July.

“As Commissioner, Mark Rallings led Queensland’s correctional system with great intellect, vision and energy,” Minister Ryan said.

“Under his management, the re-commissioned Borallon Training and Correctional Centre opened with a unique emphasis on education and employment, and he oversaw a program of upgrades to security and infrastructure across the State’s correctional centres.

“He also commenced the implementation of sweeping reforms to Queensland's probation and parole system, which will provide better support for prisoners to reintegrate safely and productively into the community.

Mark Rallings had been Commissioner since 2013, after he had worked in various senior roles in Queensland Corrective services since 2004.

“I would like to take this opportunity to also thank Kerrith McDermott, Acting Commissioner, for taking on this role until the position was filled permanently,” Minister Ryan said.

“Ms McDermott has had a long and outstanding career with Corrective Services and I appreciate her leadership, professionalism and dedication during this interim period.

“Dr Martin and Ms McDermott will work together to lead Queensland Corrective Services into an exciting new era.”

Dr Martin is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the Faculty of Health, School of Psychology and Counselling at Queensland University of Technology; an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government and Griffith University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Administration (Griffith University).

In 2015, he was appointed as the Griffith University (Arts, Education & Law) Alumnus of the Year. He is a researcher and prodigious author.

Dr Martin is highly decorated having been awarded the National Medal, National Emergency Medal, Queensland Police Service Medal & the Meritorious Service Medal.

Additionally, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal on Australia Day 2008 for his contribution to policing and the community.

ENDS

Media Contact: Cathie Thompson 0413 372 387