The Allan Labor Government has today appointed Dr Emma Cassar PSM as the new Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).
Dr Cassar currently serves as Deputy Secretary for Social Policy at the Department of Premier and Cabinet and previously led Victoria's prison system as the state's Corrections Commissioner.
With more than 25 years of experience across justice and social services, Dr Cassar has extensive operational, management and policy expertise, and holds a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology from the University of Melbourne.
She also served as Associate Secretary at the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs, where she led Australia's immigration and citizenship program throughout 2024.
In the private sector, Dr Cassar was a Partner at KPMG, where she headed the National Justice and Security practice, and has held leadership roles in several social service organisations.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone - for the first time, half of Victoria's departmental secretaries are women.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Community safety is our top priority, and I congratulate Emma on her appointment - I am confident that her leadership, operational and policy experience will lead the Department."
"DJCS has a critical role in advising the Victorian Government and implementing our community safety initiatives, including bail reforms, youth justice responses and anti-hate laws."
