DMIRS leadership changes

New leadership will take effect from Monday 31 May 2021.
Date: Thursday, 13 May 2021

A number of changes in the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s (DMIRS) leadership will take effect from Monday 31 May 2021.

DMIRS is pleased to announce that Mr Richard Sellers has been appointed as the Director General.

This follows the announcement that current Director General, David Smith will be retiring this year. He will continue to work on the department’s strategic plans and government priorities until he retires 30 June 2021.

Mr Smith has made a significant contribution to Western Australian industry, workers, consumers, the community and the public sector.

Mr Sellers is currently the Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. A position he has held since March 2020. He also acted in this role for 4 months up to September 2018. Prior to this he held a number of senior roles in the public sector including Director General of the Department of Transport, Commissioner for Main Roads WA, CEO of the Public Transport Authority and Director General of the Department of Mines and Petroleum from 2009 to 2016.

In other changes, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection and DMIRS Executive Director Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping has been appointed interim Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries following the retirement of Director General, Duncan Ord. 

Mr Gary Newcombe, DMIRS Executive Director Service Delivery will move to the role of Commissioner for Consumer Protection and Acting Executive Director for Consumer Protection.

Ms Chopping and Mr Newcombe will bring with them in their new roles, a wealth of experience and leadership skills.

DMIRS looks forward to collaborating across all government agencies to continue delivering excellent services to the Western Australian community.