Senior executive keeps DMP ship steady as Acting Director General

Department of Mines and Petroleum new Acting Director General pleased to be considered to lead the DMP.
Date: Friday, 02 September 2016

Long serving Department of Mines and Petroleum senior executive, Dr Tim Griffin, has been appointed Acting Director General of the resources sector regulatory body.

The appointment follows the departure of former Director General Richard Sellers who has accepted the same role with the Department of Transport.

Dr Griffin said he was pleased to be considered to lead the DMP until a permanent appointment was made.

“I recognise that Richard has brought strong leadership to DMP since his appointment in 2009 and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that guidance and direction to ensure the department continues to build on his achievements,” Dr Griffin said.

“DMP has implemented a raft of reforms and improved legislation and regulations to ensure that, as the State regulator for the resources sector, the department is in step with changing technology and community expectations regarding the sustainable development of the sector while ensuring health, safety and the environment are protected.”

Since he was appointed to his Deputy Director General position with the department in 2010, Dr Griffin has been the driving force behind DMP’s innovative reform programs and cross government collaboration initiatives.

He has more than 20 years’ senior management experience in the minerals and energy sector. Before taking up his 10 year tenure as Executive Director, leading Geological Survey of Western Australia, Dr Griffin worked as a geologist in Australia and overseas.

Dr Griffin is currently the co-chair of the COAG Energy Council’s Land Access for Resources Working Group.

“Western Australia is still rated as being one of the world’s most attractive jurisdictions for resources investment and I look forward to providing the leadership that will continue to build on that reputation,” he said.

Mr Sellers said his decision to move was a difficult one and came with mixed feelings, but the challenge of driving some of the solutions to Western Australia’s transport needs was a deciding factor.

“I enjoyed my time with DMP and it is a great department to work for, but at the same time I am very happy that I was successful in gaining the role with the Department of Transport,” he said.

“A move is not something I would have actively pursued at this time of my career, so I was very flattered to be asked to consider it, and it does present as a very suitable next challenge for me.

“Being in a position to be part of delivering big things for the citizens of WA was a big driver for me to accept the role and as Perth grows it will be a very important role in getting the best for the State to meet the growing transport needs. I am looking forward to that challenge.

“Perth is a beautiful city and has a lot to offer so being part of the development that will help people access what is on offer more easily using all the modes of transport available will be very rewarding.”

Dr Griffin will remain in the acting role until the recruitment process for a permanent placement is completed.

Mr Sellers starts with Department of Transport on September 12.