Mr McCahon has four decades of experience in corrections, most recently spending four years as Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations for Queensland Corrective Services.
Prior to that, Mr McCahon worked at CSNSW as head of the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy in Sydney, director of custodial operations for the northwest and southwest regions, and as general manager of the State Operations Group.
He began his career as a prison officer in Townsville Prison in the 1980s, where he rose through the ranks, taking on various roles including State Coordinator of the Dog Squad.
In September 2024, Mr McCahon was awarded the national Public Service Medal for his 40 years of outstanding service to corrections, and for leading strategic reform projects, including transitioning two privately-run prisons to public operations, and implementing the Officer Safety (Use of Force) review recommendations.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“I am very pleased to appoint Mr McCahon to the role of Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW.
“I am confident that Commissioner McCahon has the experience and skills to lead Corrective Services’ 10,000 staff as they embark on wide-ranging reforms to rebuild public trust and confidence in this important agency.
“In August, Corrective Services NSW was made a standalone public agency, as part of work to lift standards and improve outcomes following the Special Commission of Inquiry into the offences of former Corrective Services officer Wayne Astill.
“Commissioner McCahon will report directly to me in my role as Minister for Corrections, and he has a mandate to implement significant reforms that will deliver a more accountable and transparent corrections system that keeps the people of NSW safe.
“I have also asked Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball to remain closely involved, and to retain an oversight role in dealing with professional standards and misconduct investigations.
“I would like to sincerely thank Mr Leon Taylor for his work as Acting Commissioner while the recruitment process for the permanent Commissioner was completed, and I look forward to him continuing in that role until Commissioner McCahon commences his role in February 2025.”
