Meet PRSB members

Ms Andrea Lester appointed October 2015 

Andrea worked as a solicitor for 12 years, specialising in public sector workplace relations and employment matters (including in relation to police). She conducted litigation in all State and Commonwealth courts and tribunals. From 2002 to 2010, Andrea acted in senior public policy and management roles with the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, with a focus on workplace relations, workplace reform and productivity and justice matters. From 2010 she conducted a consulting practice specialising in policy and systems reviews, workplace relations, mediation and workplace and other investigations. Andrea holds degrees in Law (with honours), Science and a Masters of Public Policy and Administration from the University of Melbourne.

Mr Chris Enright appointed September 2016

Chris served Victoria Police for 29 years in criminal and operational investigations, including as a Detective Inspector with the Homicide Squad before achieving a first class honours degree in law in 2003 and being admitted to practice. In 2004 he was seconded to the Australian Crime Commission (now ACIC) before taking up a permanent role on its national executive in 2004. For a number of years he lectured in criminal law subjects at the tertiary level and was an inaugural member of Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board. Chris practised as a lawyer in the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) and a range of regulatory agencies, including the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Registered Organisations Commission in areas responsible for regulating industrial organisations. Chris is currently an Executive Director and executive member of the Fair Work Commission.  He was appointed as the Board’s Deputy President (Review) in 2019 and re-appointed in that role in 2022.

Mr Stephen Leane APM appointed November 2020

Stephen is a former Assistant Commissioner with Victoria Police who served for 39 years across portfolios including road policing; North West Metro Region; Professional Standards Command; Corporate Strategy and Governance; and as a chief of staff to a former Chief Commissioner. He holds extensive experience in delivering change management programs and a deep understanding of service delivery, the community and political environments. He was awarded the APM. In October 2021, Stephen stepped into the CEO role at ESTA following the resignation of the then CEO. He holds a law degree, LLB (Hons) and Masters of Education (Leadership, Policy and Change) from Monash University, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (with Merit) from the ANU and was admitted to practice as a Australian Lawyer in 2001.

Dr Eva Tsahuridu appointed October 2020

Eva is an internationally recognised ethics and professional standards expert who has been researching, educating and advising on business and professional ethics for over two decades. She has designed and delivered ethics and professional education offerings and contributed to the development of national and international codes of ethics and professional standards. Previously, Eva was associate professor and industry fellow at the School of Accounting, RMIT University, manager accounting policy and professional standards and governance policy advisor at CPA Australia and program director at the School of Management, RMIT University. Eva also holds international academic experience from the UK. Her academic bibliography is extensive including edited books, journal articles, book chapters and conference papers. From Edith Cowan University, she was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy for her thesis on Moral Autonomy in Organisational Decisions and a Master of Business Administration; and from Curtin University, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting).

Senior Sergeant Dermot Avon appointed May 2018

Dermot is currently attached to Prahran Divisional HQ. He has served Victoria Police since 1980 in general duties, crime investigation, security intelligence and corporate areas. He has been on the Police Association board for 15 years, vice president of the Cycling Club for 25 years and pivotal in establishing Victoria Police’s peer support network. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with professional honours and a Masters of Business Management. Dermot is appointed to the Registration Division.

Dr Rhonda Cumberland appointed September 2016

Rhonda is the Sector Reform Alignment Specialist with Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. Previously she was CEO of South East Community Links and from 2009 to 2015, the inaugural CEO of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and CEO of Safe Steps. As Director of the Office of Women’s Policy in the Victorian Government, she co-chaired the State-wide Steering Committee to Reduce Family Violence. She was a sessional panel member with the Victorian Institute of Teaching for nine years and Councillor of the City of Melbourne for five years. She holds a Masters of Social Policy and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne. Rhonda is appointed to the Review Division.

Dr Cindy Davids appointed March 2018

Cindy is an experienced academic in various areas of law including employment law, as well as policing, criminal justice, and accountability, having worked at universities in Australia and overseas in senior leadership positions such as Academic Director at the Centre for Policing, Intelligence, and Counter Terrorism, and Director of International. Her qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, Master in Policy and Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Corruption Studies. She is a registered investigator and has conducted several major public sector research projects, workplace investigations, and integrity training. She is the author of numerous publications, including a book on Conflict of Interest in Policing. Cindy is appointed to the Review Division.

Inspector Carolyn Deer appointed May 2015

Carolyn has served Victoria Police since 1988 in operational and non-operational areas and with the Enterprise Bargaining Team. Currently she is Officer in Charge of the North West Metro Division 5 Proactive Policing Unit. Passionate about members, she was an assistant delegate of The Police Association Victoria and member of its Network of Women Leadership Group. She sits as in an independent on Cost Fund Hearings. Carolyn completed a professional development program in employment relations with the University of Melbourne and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice Administration) with distinction and a Bachelor of Arts with Professional Honours (Public Sector Leadership and Management). Carolyn is appointed to the Professional Standards Division.

Commander Therese Fitzgerald APM appointed May 2021

Therese joined Victoria Police in 1993. She has enjoyed a diverse career performing duties in each of the Regions, Legal Services Department, Professional Development Command, Media and the Corporate Communications Department. Currently Therese is the Commander in Southern Metro Region. She was an inaugural member of the VEOHRC Review Response, Partnerships and Innovations Office leading critical cultural reform. Therese was deployed to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as part the AFP International Deployment Group in 2004. She holds qualifications in law, training and project management. Therese is also the recipient of the Australian Police Medal. Therese is appointed to the Professional Standards Division.

Sergeant Peter Griffiths appointed May 2021

Peter has served Victoria Police since 1993 and currently works at the ND 4 Family Violence Unit based at Broadmeadows which is one of the busiest police response areas in Victoria. Peter is qualified as a detective and police prosecutor and has worked in both country and metro stations. He has completed secondments to the Ceja Taskforce and the Brief Integration Project. Peter was successful in an appeal to the High Court of Australia which redefined the laws of consent in sexual assault cases, he is also a Coping Carer Peer and AGLO. Peter also sits on the TPAV Board of Management and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Tertiary Studies and a Certificate IV in Frontline Management. Peter is appointed to the Registration Division.

Mr Bruce McKenzie APM  appointed November 2020

Bruce is a former inspector with Victoria Police and former assistant secretary with The Police Association of Victoria. His career spans 47 years, 30 with Victoria Police in general duties; as an instructor on the then sergeant’s course; managing police stations; as staff officer to then various deputy and assistant commissioners; and leading the Victoria Police Youth Affairs office. From 2001, he was the senior Police Association representative supporting the Secretary in all aspects of the organisation’s operations and undertaking joint responsibility for staff management. His role exposed him to high-level industrial relations negotiations including many member disciplinary issues and engagement with Premiers, Ministers and senior public servants. Bruce was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 1990. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management from Charles Sturt University. Bruce is appointed to the Review Division.

Inspector Chris Murray APM appointed May 2015

Chris currently works in the Crime Command – Arson & Explosives Squad. He joined Victoria Police in 1986 and has specialised in serious and organised crime investigation with duties in areas including: the Asian Squad; Echo Taskforce; Joint Counter Terrorism Team; and Organised Crime Squad for which he was awarded the Australian Police Medal. Chris is appointed to the Registration Division.

Ms Wendy Ribbands appointed March 2018

Wendy was a lawyer with a boutique law firm in Melbourne. She served Victoria Police for 17 years attaining the rank of detective sergeant.  She has worked nationally with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, State Revenue Office, National Australia Bank, Australian Stock Exchange and Mercer Australia; and internationally, with Sun Life Financial and AIG Consumer Finance Group. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University and post-graduate qualifications in superannuation and corporation and securities law from the University of Melbourne. Wendy is appointed to the Review Division.

Commander Debra Robertson appointed May 2021

Debra has served Victoria Police since 1983 and currently is Commander at Intelligence & Covert Support Command. Debra has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to policing, particularly for her commitment to diversity employment issues. She is a recipient of two Australasian Women in Policing Awards, is a Churchill Fellow, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with over 15 years of experience. Debra is very passionate about youth issues and is a current board member of Blue Light Victoria focused on rebuilding the relationship and reconnecting Victoria Police and youth. Debra is appointed to the Registration Division.

Mr Julius Roe appointed March 2018

Julius is an experienced member of public sector boards including the Australian National Training Authority and the Victorian Skills Commission. He is the Chair of the Portable Long Service Benefit Authority. He was a Fair Work Commissioner from 2010 to 2017 and holds expertise in recruitment, performance management and discipline. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the Australian National University and has undertaken mediator training at Harvard and Bond universities and the Judicial College in Victoria. He continues as a workplace advisor, investigator and consultant. Julius is appointed to the Review Division.

Commander Clive Rust APM appointed May 2015

Clive has served Victoria Police since 1973 and currently is Commander, North West Metro Region. Previously he led the School of Policing Leadership and Management, which provides development programs to senior police and managers. He was a metropolitan divisional commander and served at the Professional Standards Command, promoting a culture of high, ethical standards throughout Victoria Police. Other experience includes leading investigations into serious and organised crime, general policing and corporate projects. Clive is a recipient of the Australian Police Medal. Clive is appointed to the Registration Division.

Mr Philip Shepherd appointed November 2020

Phil’s entire working life has been deeply embedded in the policing profession. As a police officer, he spent 26 years with Victoria Police in general policing, homicide, crime operations and a range of corporate roles before moving across to the Australian Federal Police as the Director of Education at the Australian Institute of Police Management, where he developed and delivered a range of executive leadership programs. As a consultant, Phil has worked with all the Australian and many of the international policing jurisdictions. His qualifications include Master of Organisational Leadership, Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of the Art and Practice of Leadership Development. Philip is appointed to the Professional Standards Division.

Mr Michael Stefanovic AM appointed November 2020

Michael holds 35 years of investigative experience with Australian and intergovernmental agencies being admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia for this significant service. Having served Victoria Police for 14 years in various roles he attained the rank of sergeant. Michael has lectured at the NSW Police College, directed investigations for the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and currently, is Victoria’s Chief Municipal Inspector. He holds an Associate Diploma in Police Studies (Chisholm), a Bachelor of Arts – Police Studies (Monash), a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Behaviour (Swinburne), a Master of Arts – Police Studies (Exeter UK) and Master of Laws – International Criminal Law (Sussex, UK).   Michael is appointed to the Review Division.

Mr Neville Taylor APM appointed November 2020