Leadership

David Smith, Acting Director General

Since commencing in the role on 3 May 2017, David Smith has worked towards the transition to the new Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety on 1 July 2017. The new department will amalgamate DMP with the regulatory and labour relations functions for the Department of Commerce. Previously, David was appointed Acting Director General at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) in August 2016, where he had been the Deputy Director General since August 2008. Before DPC, David was a member of the Corporate Executive of the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), with responsibility for economic policy. He was in DTF in a variety of positions for 12 years. David also has more than 20 years of experience in the Commonwealth public service, including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and an overseas posting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has also worked with a private economic consultancy in London.

Tim Griffin, Deputy Director General, Approvals and Compliance

Since his appointment to this role in May 2010, Tim Griffin has focused on a continuous program of innovative reforms. The aim is to improve efficiencies by using electronic systems to speed up the submission and assessment of applications for approval to develop resource projects. The reforms have resulted in higher levels of compliance with conditions, and better protection of environmental values. Tim has more than 15 years’ experience in senior management roles relating to the minerals and energy sector. He worked as a geologist prior to taking on the role as Executive Director, Geological Survey, which he held for 10 years.

Michelle Andrews, Deputy Director General, Strategic Policy

Michelle Andrews commenced in the position of Deputy Director General, Strategic Policy in July 2011. Michelle has more than 30 years’ experience in the public sector contributing to major project approvals, environmental legislation and public sector reform. In her role, Michelle focused on resource development policy and strengthening the department’s relationships across government, and with industry and the community.

Mick Banaszczyk, Executive Director, Corporate Support

Mick Banaszczyk was appointed to this role in July 2007, prior to which he was the General Manager, Finance and Human Resources. Mick has a wealth of experience in the areas of audit, industrial relations, finance, strategic planning and policy development. He has also held positions with various public service agencies, including the Water Corporation, Department of Justice and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Rick Rogerson, Executive Director, Geological Survey

Rick Rogerson joined the department in late 1995 and was appointed to this role in 2010. Before returning to Australia in 1995, Rick held executive positions in the Papua New Guinea Department of Mines and Petroleum. He has more than 35 years’ experience in geoscience, mineral policy advice and management, including consultancy work providing technical assistance, mainly in mineral policy and strategic management.

Ivor Roberts, Executive Director, Mineral Titles

Ivor Roberts was appointed to this role in May 2010. Prior to this, he was the Manager Mineral Resources in the Geological Survey Division, where he gained extensive exposure to the activities of the mineral industry and high levels of government. Ivor joined the department in 1997, initially in the position of Regional Manager (Geological Survey) in Kalgoorlie. Previously, he held academic and research positions at several universities, including the University of New South Wales and the Western Australian School of Mines.

Jeff Haworth, Executive Director, Petroleum

Jeff Haworth was appointed to this role in November 2013. Jeff has worked in both the mineral and petroleum industries for more than 40 years. He joined the department in 1991 as the Petroleum Data Manager, and later worked in the Geological Survey Division managing research and basin studies into petroleum systems in Western Australia. In 2011, Jeff took up the role of Director of Technology, Petroleum and Geothermal in the Petroleum Division, overseeing the regulatory management of Western Australia’s upstream petroleum industry, prior to taking up his present position.

Simon Ridge, Executive Director, Resources Safety

Simon Ridge was appointed to this role in 2012. Simon is a qualified geologist and mining engineer with more than 40 years of experience in the resources sector. He has worked extensively in open pit and underground metalliferous mines in Africa and Australia including copper, nickel, iron and gold operations. Simon has held various positions including supervisor, registered manager, consultant and regulator. For the past 27 years, Simon has worked as a regulator in Western Australia and South Australia. As a regulator, he has been involved in all aspects of mining and major hazard facilities.

Julie de Jong, Executive Director, Strategic Projects

Julie de Jong commenced in this role in September 2014. Julie was previously the Executive Director for the Industry, Science and Innovation Division within the Department of Commerce. In the role, Julie leads a number of transformation projects, including high-level integration across the department and increasing the capacity for online transactions with customers in line with the State Government’s Digital WA Strategy. Additionally, she is also undertaking significant cross-agency collaboration on a range of strategic issues.

Phil Gorey, Executive Director, Environment

Phil Gorey joined the department in 2009. Phil has more than 20 years’ experience in natural resources management, environmental assessment and regulation of mining and heavy industry. He also has experience in delivering contentious policy reform programs in areas such as regional water management strategies, land use planning and natural resource development. Phil has worked in state government departments in Victoria and South Australia, and, prior to joining the department, was a principal in a private sector consultancy.