Vale Peter Severin – a highly respected mentor, leader and driver of change

The Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services, David Brown, has paid tribute to one of the nation’s longest serving Correctional leaders, Peter Severin.

Peter was the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia between 2003 and 2012.

Since 2019, Peter was the President of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), a role in which he thoroughly enjoyed. He recently retired to spend more time with his wife Isabelle and returned home to beloved South Australia.

He was also Commissioner of Corrective Services New South Wales for nine years between 2012 and 2021.

Peter started his career as a prison officer in Germany. In total, he spent more than 40 years of extraordinary service within Corrective Services.

His leadership, passion and dedication to the portfolio has left an indelible and lasting impact on many and he will be greatly missed.

Quotes attributable to Department for Correctional Services Chief Executive, David Brown

Peter was an exceptional leader who regularly shared his knowledge and experience with his counterparts to improve corrections globally.

Peter was truly respected by his peers in South Australia, nationally and internationally. He was also a good friend and mentor to many.

At Peter’s very core was a belief in the inherent value of every human being and a belief in a person’s ability to change.

Our thoughts are with beloved wife Isabelle and his son Julian, of whom he was extremely proud and his sister Bettina.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Correctional Services, Emily Bourke

Peter spent his working life dedicated to community safety and reducing rates of reoffending in a career spanning multiple jurisdictions and decades of service.

He made a significant contribution to our State and was a mentor to many in DCS. His loss will be widely felt across the correctional services community.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time.