One of Australia’s most experienced criminal prosecutors, who has spent decades taking on the nation’s most serious offenders and prosecuting war crimes overseas, has commenced a three-year term leading a key NSW body that oversees the management of high-risk offenders.
The Minns Labor Government has appointed Christopher Maxwell KC as Chairperson of the Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC), the body that advises on the management, security classification and parole of some of the state’s most serious offenders.
Mr Maxwell brings more than 40 years’ experience in criminal law, having built a distinguished career prosecuting offenders in Australia and internationally.
His experience spans leadership positions across the criminal justice system, including as Senior Crown Prosecutor for NSW and Chief International Prosecutor with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, where he led prosecutions involving organised crime, terrorism and war crimes.
His appointment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring decisions affecting serious offenders are informed by strong legal expertise, robust oversight and a clear focus on community safety.
The Council plays a critical role in advising on the management of offenders who pose the highest risks to the community. It is comprised of judicial members, Corrective Services NSW officers and community representatives to ensure decisions are informed by legal expertise, operational experience and community safety considerations.
Since 2022, Mr Maxwell has also served as a judicial member of the NSW State Parole Authority, chairing panels responsible for determining whether offenders should be released on parole and hearing reviews relating to parole decisions.
Upon commencing his role as Chairperson of SORC, Mr Maxwell will relinquish his seat at the Parole Authority.
The Minns Government would like to thank the significant contribution of outgoing Chairperson John Favretto, who steps down from the position on 31 October 2026 after over a decade of service.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Keeping the community safe means making sure the right expertise is informing decisions about the management of the state’s most serious offenders.
“Christopher Maxwell KC has spent more than four decades prosecuting some of the most serious crimes imaginable, both here in Australia and internationally.
“From homicide and organised crime matters in NSW to war crimes prosecutions overseas, he brings an extraordinary depth of experience, judgement and integrity to this role.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to maintaining strong oversight of serious offenders, and Mr Maxwell’s appointment will help ensure the Council continues to provide rigorous, independent advice with community safety at its core.
“I also thank outgoing Chairperson John Favretto for his dedicated service and significant contribution to the Serious Offenders Review Council, and wish him all the very best for the future.
“For more than a decade, John has provided steady leadership and sound judgement in overseeing the Council’s important work, helping ensure community safety remains at the centre of its advice.”
