Long-serving Queensland public servant, Professor Peter Martin APM, has been awarded the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday honours.
Professor Martin has been made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to public administration in Queensland.
Professor Martin has served the people of Queensland for more than 40 years in a career that spans law enforcement and corrective services.
Currently a Professor of Practice at the Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Professor Martin was previously a Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service and then subsequently was appointed Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services in 2017.
Professor Martin’s tenure as Corrections Commissioner came at a transformational time in the history of Queensland’s Corrective Services, said Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan.
“I cannot think of a more worthy person to be awarded the Order of Australia,” the Minister said.
“Professor Martin has committed more than 40 years of service to his fellow Queenslanders. Peter rose to the rank of Deputy Commissioner with the Queensland Police Service. And I will be forever grateful to Peter for agreeing to take on the role of Commissioner of Corrective Services.
“Peter’s appointment as Commissioner came at a critical moment in the evolution of Queensland Corrective Services, and he oversaw its transformation into the truly world class operation it is today.
“Peter’s distinguished career, values-based leadership and passion for community safety has left a lasting legacy that is to the benefit of all Queenslanders.”
“He was instrumental in the professionalisation of QCS.”
He oversaw the implementation of major reforms in corrections including the implementation of the Sofronoff Report into Queensland’s s parole system, and the development of ‘Corrections 2030’, the blueprint for the transformation of QCS to become arguably the best trained and best equipped corrective service in the southern hemisphere.
He also oversaw the historic transition of two major Queensland Correctional facilities from private to public operation.
Professor Martin has also been the recipient of the Meritorious Service Awards from both Police and Corrections, the Emergency Services Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Medal and the Queensland Police Service Medal.
