Emma Cassar: A Trailblazer in Public Service Leadership

Emma Cassar is a prominent figure in the Australian public service sector, renowned for her impactful leadership across various critical government departments. Her career has seen her occupy pivotal roles such as Associate Secretary for Immigration at the Department of Home Affairs, Commissioner of Corrections Victoria, and Deputy Secretary at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in government, private sectors, and not-for-profits, Dr. Cassar’s journey exemplifies a commitment to public service and the pursuit of excellence in justice and immigration policy.

Early Career and Education

Born with a passion for understanding the human psyche, Dr. Emma Cassar pursued her higher education at the prestigious University of Melbourne. There, she earned her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology, specializing in criminal justice and psychological assessments. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future career, providing her with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the fields of justice and social policy.

Dr. Cassar’s educational background, particularly in forensic psychology, equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior, which she later applied to her work in government positions. This unique perspective has contributed greatly to her success in managing complex systems and policies, especially in areas that require a careful balance between law enforcement and social welfare.

Leadership at the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic)

As of March 2025, Dr. Emma Cassar serves as the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Victoria, Australia. This role marks a significant milestone in her career, as she now plays a central part in shaping the policies and strategies that impact the state’s governance. The Department of Premier and Cabinet is a critical institution that ensures the effective delivery of government services and policies in Victoria, and Dr. Cassar’s leadership brings a wealth of experience to this vital area.

In her capacity as Deputy Secretary, Dr. Cassar works closely with senior leaders to oversee critical projects and initiatives, particularly those related to social policy and intergovernmental relations. Her expertise in managing complex portfolios and her keen understanding of public sector dynamics have made her an indispensable figure in the Victorian government. Her role also involves ensuring the integration of key public services, which include the promotion of welfare, economic development, and the wellbeing of citizens across the state.

Associate Secretary of Immigration at the Department of Home Affairs

Before her tenure at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Dr. Cassar made her mark as the Associate Secretary for Immigration at the Australian Department of Home Affairs from March 2024 to March 2025. This position placed her at the heart of the country’s immigration policies, where she was responsible for overseeing Australia’s migration, refugee, humanitarian, immigration compliance, and citizenship programs.

During her time as Associate Secretary, Dr. Cassar played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s approach to immigration and ensuring the effective management of the country’s border policies. Her leadership helped guide important reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s immigration system.

One of her most significant achievements in this role was her ability to navigate the complexities of immigration compliance, while simultaneously fostering an inclusive approach for migrants, refugees, and humanitarian entrants. Dr. Cassar’s diplomatic skill and comprehensive understanding of legal and social frameworks were pivotal in maintaining a balanced approach to the country’s immigration policies.

Commissioner of Corrections Victoria

Dr. Cassar’s career trajectory also includes her role as the Commissioner of Corrections Victoria, a position she held from June 2018 to October 2021. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing the safe custody and welfare of prisoners and offenders in Victoria, ensuring that their rehabilitation was prioritized while maintaining public safety. Her tenure in this role was especially significant as she led Corrections Victoria during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Commissioner, Dr. Cassar was not only responsible for the operational aspects of corrections but also for the mental health and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Her leadership helped implement programs that prioritized the psychological well-being of prisoners, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts were aligned with long-term positive outcomes for both individuals and society.

In addition to her role as Commissioner, Dr. Cassar served as the Deputy State Controller for the COVID-19 Accommodation Program and the COVID-19 Quarantine Commissioner in Victoria. These responsibilities placed her in the forefront of managing the state’s response to the pandemic, particularly in terms of quarantine facilities and managing public health risks.

Her ability to lead with empathy and precision during such unprecedented times was recognized with a Public Service Medal in 2024, honoring her dedication and service to the community during the pandemic.

Work at KPMG and Serco

Dr. Emma Cassar’s career also includes pivotal roles in the private sector. From December 2014 to June 2018, she worked at KPMG Australia as the Partner and National Lead of the Justice and Security Sector. Her work involved leading efforts to improve the justice and security systems within Australia, advising clients on matters related to public policy, security, and strategic management.

Before her time at KPMG, Dr. Cassar worked as the Business Development Director for Justice and Community Services at Serco, a global services company. Her experience in these private sector roles expanded her understanding of how government policies intersect with the needs of businesses and organizations in the justice and security sectors.

Commitment to Social Welfare and Justice

Throughout her career, Dr. Cassar has shown an unwavering commitment to improving social welfare systems and promoting justice. Her work at Mission Australia, where she served as the State Director for Victoria, and as the CEO of Open Family Australia, reflects her dedication to working with vulnerable populations. These roles allowed her to advocate for youth and family services, helping at-risk individuals receive the care and support they needed.

Dr. Cassar’s career in the public and private sectors highlights her remarkable ability to drive social change, improve institutional systems, and address critical societal issues. Her comprehensive understanding of both the policy and operational aspects of public service has solidified her reputation as a transformative leader in Australia’s justice and immigration systems.

Conclusion

Dr. Emma Cassar’s illustrious career as a public servant demonstrates her exceptional leadership and dedication to improving public services in Australia. From her role as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Premier and Cabinet to her time as Associate Secretary for Immigration and Commissioner of Corrections Victoria, Dr. Cassar has continuously worked to improve the systems that affect the lives of citizens. Her education in forensic psychology and her vast experience in justice and public policy have shaped her into one of Australia’s leading figures in government. Dr. Cassar’s impact on social welfare and justice, combined with her proven leadership skills, will continue to influence public service for years to come.

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