Stuart Smith appointed as new Director General of Western Australia DBCA

Western Australian Environment Minister Reece Whitby has welcomed Stuart Smith as the new Director General of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Smith has also been appointed as the Chief Executive of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and Zoological Parks Authority.

Smith brings a wealth of experience to the position, having spent three decades in State and Commonwealth public service roles. For eight years, he was the Chief Executive of Australia's offshore energy regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, appointed in 2014.

He served as the Director General of the Department of Fisheries for six years. He has also worked for the Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Smith replaces Mark Webb who retired at the end of last year, after four decades of public service. His five-year term starts on 10th July 2023.

Minister Whitby shared "I congratulate Stuart Smith on his appointment. His extensive experience will be invaluable in leading the department into the future.

"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."