Former NOPSEMA boss to head WA department

Former NOPSEMA chief Stuart Smith has been appointed as director general of a state government department and will oversee the Rottnest Island and Zoological Parks authorities.

Mr Smith will start his five-year term as Director General of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions on July 10.

His appointment includes being chief executive of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and Zoological Parks Authority.

Mr Smith said he looked forward to working with Environment Minister Reece Whitby, Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti, the authority boards, stakeholders, and staff of the organisations.

For eight years since 2014, Mr Smith was the chief executive of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), Australia’s offshore energy regulator.

Prior to NOPSEMA, Mr Smith served nearly six years as the Department of Fisheries director general and was deputy director general at Department of Industry and Resources, State Development Group (WA).

He also serves as a board member at arts and culture body FORM and is a councillor at the Institute of Public Administration Australia WA.

Mr Whitby announced Mr Smith’s appointment today, congratulating him and noting his 30 years of experience in state and Commonwealth public service roles.

“His extensive experience will be invaluable in leading the department into the future,” Mr Whitby said.

“Mr Smith is highly qualified and his expertise will be a strong asset to continue the success of the agency.

“I look forward to working together to achieve positive environmental outcomes for our state.

“I would like to thank DBCA’s deputy director general Peter Dans for all his hard work acting in the role over the past six months during the recruitment process.”

Mr Smith’s predecessor, Mark Webb, retired from the DBCA role at the end of 2022.