Corrective Services NSW

Vale Peter Severin

18 AUGUST 2025

It is with much sadness we announce the death of retired CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin, who passed away on Sunday morning at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with his family by his side. This followed a sudden and devastating illness.

Peter Severin was the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner from September 2012 until his retirement in August 2021. Prior to this appointment Peter was the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia and worked with the Department of Corrective Services in Queensland for almost 15 years. Following his retirement from CSNSW he moved on to be president of the International Corrections and Prisons Association.

The achievements of CSNSW under his leadership included the end of smoking in prisons, the biggest prison building program in Australia's history, and the beginning of CSNSW’s successful response to the COVID pandemic.

Peter dedicated his entire career to improving the quality of prison and correctional services in Australia. He took his vision for better correctional centre systems across the world through his role as President of the International Corrections and Prisons Association. At his core was a belief in the inherent value of every human being and in their ability to change.

Man in Commissioner's hat standing in front of sandstone building.
Image: Peter Severin was dedicated to improving prison quality in Australia, motivated by the belief that everyone has the ability to change.

Explaining his commitment to making a difference Peter once said:

"To me, it's a fundamental philosophy. Prisons should not be out of sight, out of mind, a service at the end of the conveyer belt on the fringe of society. I believe if you give a person the ability to read and write and the ability to be marketable in their skills, and to find some employment and strong social connections, this is a huge advantage in stopping re-offending."
Man standing in navy suit uniform, in front of microphone
Image: Ex-commissioner Peter Severin at a press conference.
Gatehouse of Long Bay jail in background, NSW and indigenous flag flying at half mast in foreground
Image: Flags flying at half-mast at Long Bay Goal this morning.

As a mark of respect all flags across NSW correctional centres are to be flown at half-mast from dawn to dusk on Monday 18 August.

We extend our deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends, and to the many people around the world who will be affected by his loss.

Last updated:

Was this content useful?
We will use your rating to help improve the site.
Please don't include personal or financial information here
Please don't include personal or financial information here

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future. 

Informed by lessons of the past, Department of Communities and Justice is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.

You can access our apology to the Stolen Generations.

Top Return to top of page Top