Appointment of Chief Executive for the Department of Corrections

The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, announced today the appointment of Barry Matthews as Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections.

Barry Matthews has worked in the New Zealand or Australian State sector for nearly 40 years. He held roles in the New Zealand Police from 1965 to 1999 when he was appointed to the position of Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Service.

As Commissioner, Barry Matthews led an organisation of 5,000 police officers and 1,000 support staff, delivering policing services over the largest policing jurisdiction in the world. He led the development of an inaugural strategic plan that set out a five-year blue print for policing in Western Australia. Under his leadership the culture of the organisation changed considerably, leading to a strengthening of the relationship with the community and particularly the Aboriginal community.

Before his appointment in Australia, Barry Matthews was Deputy Commissioner, New Zealand Police from 1995 to 1999. He was Assistant Commissioner Planning and Finance, Police National Headquarters (1993 to 1995) and District Commander, Auckland Services District (1992 to 1993).

Mark Prebble says Barry Matthews is very experienced at the chief executive level with a proven track record of leading, and managing, a large, widely dispersed, operational organisation.

"He has experience in personnel and financial management, strategic and corporate planning. He has led change programmes in New Zealand and Australia and was programme manager for Policing 2000, the updated strategic plan for New Zealand Police. He was also involved in developing the New Zealand Police's Build Responsiveness to Maori Strategy, Urupara Whitiki.

"He has experience in managing relationships with staff, stakeholders and the community in circumstances which have, at times, been contentious, and has gained their respect.

Barry Matthews has good relationships in the justice sector and a clear view of the role of the Department of Corrections. He will work to ensure that the programmes of Integrated Offender Management and Reintegration will continue to be embedded in the culture of the department."

He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, Law Professional examinations, a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Diploma of Criminology.

Barry Matthews will take up his new role on 12 February 2005.

For more information, contact:

Karen Jones, Communications Manager, State Services Commission, 04 495 6657

Barry Matthews