McMahon leaves corrective services

James McMahon has resigned after three years at the helm of the Department of Corrective Services.

Mr McMahon was previously managing director of management consultancy Chauvel Group, which he founded in 2011.

He joined the Australian Army in 1984, and served as a commander in the SAS before joining corporate advisory firm Azure Capital as chief operating officer in 2007.

Mr McMahon steps down as corrective services commissioner citing personal reasons.

Corrective Services Minister Fran Logan said Mr McMahon was leaving on the best of terms, and supported the government’s plans to reform corrective services.

“On behalf of the state government and the people of Western Australia, I thank James for his contribution to the state and I wish him and his family all the very best,’’ Mr Logan said.

“The job of commissioner of corrective services is an arduous and difficult one, which is endless in its demands.”

Deputy commissioner, regulation and operational services, Tony Hassall, has been appointed acting corrective services commissioner while the government begins its search for a new department chief.

Mr Hassall has served in his current role since early 2015.

His previous experience includes five and a half years in senior roles for Serco Australia, and two decades working for the Her Majesty’s Prison Service in the UK.