Mr Brown has enjoyed a wide and varied career in corrections with experience across three jurisdictions. He has worked in both the private and public sector in a range of senior management roles. 
 

In summary, his experience includes: 

Appointed as Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia in September 2012, he has overseen a critical period of growth and reform across the Department. He has played a key role in strengthening security and emergency management standards across the system; placing a renewed focus on offender rehabilitation, education and vocation training; and building community partnerships to improve reintegration of offender back into society once they leave prison. Mr Brown is passionate about creating an integrated approach to offender management that involves meaningful activity combined with targeted rehabilitation. 

 

In 2016 the South Australian Government set the Department the ambitious target to reduce reoffending by 10% by 2020. 10by20 has served as the primary focus for DCS for six years and demonstrated significant outcomes for South Australia. South Australia’s recidivism rate of 39.3% (2022), represents a 15% reduction in recidivism against the baseline. Following on from the success of 10 by 20, in 2022 the South Australian Government announced a new target to reduce reoffending 20% by 2026. 

 

David is focused on implementing strategies that drive down the rate of re-offending including increased investment in rehabilitation programs, strengthening alternatives to custody such as Home Detention and building better prison services. He remains steadfastly dedicated to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the Criminal Justice System and Closing the Gap. 

 

Leadership development and succession planning has been a key focus during his time in South Australia and he believes the Department for Correctional Services is well positioned with an experienced Executive and Senior Management group.