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The Department of Mines and Petroleum has a new Director General – Richard Sellers former Executive Director of Minerals and Energy in the Northern Territory.

Mr Sellers, originally from Western Australia, brings a wealth of experience to the role having overseen the regulation and development of the Territory’s mining and petroleum industries, and working for the past four years overhauling the Territory’s approvals process.

“We had similar legislation and similar processes to Western Australia and we got to the stage where we were getting a lot of accolades from the mining industry in the Territory – it was a place where they wanted to go and do business,” he said.

“Clearly the basis exists in Western Australia to work on improving in similar areas.

“I expect the people in the department have a similar desire to see industry going well as I enjoyed with the staff in the department in the Northern Territory.

“We all want to see projects go forward with appropriate environmental and safety outcomes.”

Mr Sellers said he believed the State was well placed to emerge stronger and better placed from the current financial gloom.

Mr Sellers has held a number of senior positions in the fisheries departments in Western Australia and has also spent time working in East Timor and Indonesia.

He said he was pleased to be coming back to Western Australia after ten years in the Territory.

“I grew up here and on a family note, I’ve got two young girls, the eldest just starting Year 11, and I’m pleased that they will be able to finish their schooling here and to make the most of all the opportunities that come from living in Perth,” he said.

Mr Sellers said he would work closely with Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore, industry and the department to reposition Western Australia as the best place to do business in the world.

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