Reconceptualising Prison Safety and Focusing on Workforce Capability – A Cultural Reform Case Study From Victoria, Australia

ICPA 2025 Presentation by Melissa Westin and Ashlee Briffa (PID016)

Authors

Melissa Westin

Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations, Corrections Victoria, Australia

Melissa is the Deputy Commissioner for Custodial Operations in Corrections Victoria. Corrections Victoria is the public body responsible for operating adult prisons in Victoria, Australia.

Mel is responsible for leading operations across all adult prisons. She has more than 25 years’ experience working in the justice sector and has worked across many aspects of the Victorian prison system. Melissa has held the position of General Manager of several prison locations and previously lead the Security & Intelligence Division.

Ashlee Briffa

Director, Cultural Reform and Workforce Strategy, Corrections Victoria, Australia

Ashlee is the Director of Cultural Reform and Workforce Strategy at Corrections Victoria. Corrections Victoria is the public body responsible for operating adult prisons in Victoria, Australia.

The Director, Cultural Reform and Workforce Strategy is Ashlee's first role in corrections, having previously had over 14 years’ experience in public policy and law. In previous roles, Ashlee has led the implementation of large-scale reforms in the justice sector, including reforms relevant to policing, courts and human right protections.

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