- Stuart Smith has been appointed the new Director General of DBCA
- Has extensive experience spending three decades in public service roles
- Starts in the position next month replacing Mark Webb who retired last year
Environment Minister Reece Whitby has welcomed Stuart Smith as the new Director General of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
He has also been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and Zoological Parks Authority.
Stuart 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.
Stuart Smith has a reputation for strategic thinking and is highly regarded for managing complex issues and balancing competing interests.
He replaces Mark Webb PSM who retired at the end of last year, after four decades of public service. His five-year term starts on 10 July 2023.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“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.”
