The Department’s Chief Executive, David Brown, has been appointed as the Acting President of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA).

Mr Brown will lead the Association in this role until the 2026 ICPA Annual General Meeting, when an election will be held for the position.

His appointment came about following the sudden death of President Peter Severin last month, who was President of ICPA since 2019. Mr Severin was also the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia between 2003 and 2012 and the Commissioner of Corrective Services New South Wales between 2012 and 2021.
Quotes attributable to the ICPA Vice President Kim Ekhaugen.

Mr Brown brings a wealth of experience to this role. His extensive experience in corrections and his commitment to our vision and mission make him exceptionally qualified for this role. We believe he will provide steady leadership as we continue our important work in advancing professional corrections worldwide.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Correctional Services Emily Bourke:
"Peter served as a mentor to many, including Mr Brown, and his loss is widely felt across the correctional services community. Under Mr Brown’s leadership, South Australia has the lowest recidivism rate in the nation. This work has been achieved through increased investment in rehabilitation programs, strengthened alternatives to custody and improved prison services. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Brown on his appointment."

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive of DCS David Brown:
"We were all shocked and deeply saddened by Peter’s sudden passing.
Peter was deeply committed to ICPA’s mission to promote and share good correctional practice across the world. I look forward to collaborating with all ICPA members and partners to continue this mission, and I am thankful to the Board for this opportunity."