Our Director-General

Michael Drane

LLB, BJus - Critical Criminology and Public Administration

Michael Drane was appointed to the role of Acting Director-General in January 2026, bringing with him over two decades of experience and leadership in the youth justice and broader criminal justice systems.

He started his career as a youth worker in 2003 and has since undertaken a wide range of policy, project, and service delivery roles. His extensive expertise as a practitioner, manager, and senior leader has been instrumental in driving meaningful reforms to improve outcomes for those that come into contact with the justice system. Notably, Michael directed the Independent Review into Queensland Youth Detention conducted in 2016 which led to several accepted recommendations being implemented to reform the delivery of services to the state’s youth detention centres.

Throughout his career, Michael has led initiatives to enhance the youth justice system, including leading the Youth Justice Taskforce in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service facilitating systemic reforms. His leadership has driven significant improvements across the youth justice system, ensuring it is better equipped to meet the needs of vulnerable youth.

Michael completed a Bachelor of Justice, majoring in Critical Criminology and Public Administration, in addition to a Bachelor of Laws. In 2013, Michael was admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of Queensland.