Released 17/12/2024
A former senior police officer with a varied and extensive career in the justice sector has been appointed to lead ACT Corrective Services.
Leanne Close APM will take up the role of ACTCS Commissioner from 13 January 2025.
Ms Close was selected following a national recruitment process.
In her new role, she will now be responsible for the executive leadership of the ACT’s corrective services, including the Alexander Maconochie Centre and community corrections.
Minister for Corrections 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,” Minister 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. Her role will include a focus on the significant work undertaken to date to continue to build capacity of the workforce in corrections.”
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 Attorney-General’s Department.
In the past 4 years she has been Head of Counter Terrorism and National Security Programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and is a Member of the Victorian Department of Justice and Safety Expert Advisory Group.
Minister 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,” Minister 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.”
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases