After 38 years in the public service, 37 of those with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP), including two years as the Commonwealth Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, Mark de Crespigny has announced his retirement and will have his last day in the Office on 19 June. 

Director of Public Prosecutions, Raelene Sharp KC, said the announcement marked the end of a career of service and dedication to the Office and the community. 

On Tuesday 12 May 2026 the Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, delivered the 2026–27 Federal Budget, which included $59.8 million in funding for the CDPP.

Following a competitive recruitment process, with quality applicants from around the country, the CDPP has appointed Mr Patrick Dixon, Mr Hadi Mazloum and Ms Katie McCann, as Federal Counsel, for fixed terms. They commenced this week and are based in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra respectively, but will be appearing for the CDPP in all jurisdictions.

Mr Dixon is an experienced trial and appellate advocate, and has worked in Tasmania, NSW, the ACT, the UK and was most recently a Prosecution Mentor in the Solomon Islands DPP Office.