A former South Australian with extensive experience working in criminal justice sector policy and management has been appointed to head the Courts Administration Authority.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Penny Croser, who is currently working as an Executive Director within Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, would commence as the new State Courts Administrator on 15 June.
“Penny Croser began working with the Attorney-General’s Department in South Australia in 1998 and, since then, has undertaken numerous, complex roles in the public sector across several diverse policy areas,” Ms Chapman said.
“This has included GST work with the ACCC, work on Native Title claims within the Crown Solicitor’s Office in South Australia and work overseeing supports to bushfire victims as the Head of Policy and Business Services with the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority.
“As Acting Director of the Office of Correctional Services Review, she oversaw the independent investigation into the death of notorious Melbourne underworld figure Carl Williams.
“She went on to oversee the development of Victoria’s new Police Act – the first major reforms in over a century – as Director of Police, Resources and Governance within the Department of Justice.
“She has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of issues across the criminal justice sector and will be well-placed to take the reins at the CAA,” she said.
Ms Croser replaces outgoing Administrator Julie-Anne Burgess, who resigned earlier this year.
Ms Chapman has thanked Ms Burgess for her contribution to the CAA during her seven year tenure as Courts Administrator.
