BCIT board appoints Howard-Smith as chair

Reg Howard-Smith has been appointed chair of the Building and Construction Industry Training Board, as the state government proceeds with changes to the Building and Construction Training Fund's operation and governance.

Mr Howard-Smith replaces Ian Hill who resigned from the role in January, 18 months before his term was due to expire.

Previously the chief executive of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, Mr Howard-Smith is now chair of the Waste Authority of WA and a board member for Auspire Australia Day Council.

Mr Howard-Smith's appointment coincides with the introduction of legislative changes in response to the 2019 Statutory Review of the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund and Levy Collection Act 1990. 

State education and training minister Sue Ellery said she looked forward to working with Mr Howard-Smith to respond to the recommendations of the review. 

“Reg Howard-Smith has the right mix of knowledge and skills to effectively lead the Building and Construction Industry Training Board in a significant time of change,” Ms Ellery said.

“He will provide a strong, independent voice backed by leadership experience and a deep knowledge of the construction and training sectors.

“Importantly, I have asked him to work closely with all stakeholders, existing and new, to ensure all points of view are explored.”

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA chief executive Paul Everingham welcomed the move.

"We expect with Reg’s long term engagement with the resources sector, he will have a better understanding of the skill requirements of the WA resources sector," Mr Everingham said.

"He joins the Board at an important time, with the introduction of legislative changes in response to the 2019 statutory review.

“We also welcome the changes that will see two additional members appointed to the Board, representing minerals and energy."

Meanwhile, the state government has also appointed University of Western Australia professor of surgical oncology Christobel Saunders as chair of the PathWest Board.

Professor Saunders has over 20 years’ research experience spent evaluating the efficacy and utility of therapy for early breast cancer.

Michael Walsh has been announced as the new chair of the Health Support Services board.

A former director general of Queensland Health, Mr Walsh now works as a partner at consulting firm Powerhouse Partners.