The Andrews Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Michele Williams QC as the new Chair of Victoria’s Post Sentence Authority.
Ms Williams is currently the Deputy Chair of the Post Sentence Authority and brings a wealth of experience in overseeing the state’s post sentence scheme, which monitors serious offenders on post-sentence supervision and detention orders.
She previously practised as a criminal barrister for 15 years before being appointed as a Crown Prosecutor in 2002 and a Queen’s Counsel in 2005.
In 2006, Ms Williams was appointed as a Senior Crown Prosecutor and as the First Head of the Specialist Sex Offence Unit within the Office of Public Prosecutions.
Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of current Chair Judge Ian Gray who will finish in the role on 29 March 2019.
The Post Sentence Authority has been in operation since February 2018 and is part of the Labor Government’s response to the Harper Review into the management of serious offenders.
All 35 of the Harper Review recommendations have now been implemented, including constructing two new secure facilities for serious sex and violent offenders subject to court-imposed post-sentence orders.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll
“Keeping Victorians safe is our highest priority, which is why we created the Post Sentence Scheme to monitor serious offenders on post-sentence orders.”
“Michele Williams QC has demonstrated strong leadership in her role as Deputy Chair of the Post Sentence Authority, making her well suited to take on the role as Chair.”
“I thank Judge Gray for his hard work and dedication in helping to establish the authority and for serving as its first Chair.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020