The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has announced the appointment of three new members to the Board of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA).
The appointments are for terms of three years, as recommended by the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
The new appointments are:
- Dr Lynne Chester (senior research fellow, John Curtin Institute of Public Policy)
- Dr Michael Ollis (retired vice president, BHP Billiton Petroleum)
- Mr Anthony Pooley (former Head of Safety, Environment and Risk, Newcrest Mining Ltd).
Minister Ferguson said: "The new members bring additional expertise to the Board, specifically through their knowledge of the offshore petroleum industry and expertise in major hazards, regulation and public policy development. Their skills will complement existing members' expertise and enhance the policy advisory role of the Board."
Minister Ferguson said the NOPSA Board is an important element that assists the Government and NOPSA in working with Australia's offshore petroleum industry to meet world's best practice in the areas of occupational health and safety.
"Incidents such as the Varanus Island pipeline rupture in June 2008 emphasise the need for the Government to work with industry to update and review our regulation and working practices.
"I look forward to working with the Board in addressing the recommendations arising from the joint independent inquiry between the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments into Australia's offshore petroleum regulatory environment to further improve Australia's offshore occupational health and safety regime."
The Board is anticipated to meet in May 2009.
For further information on NOPSA visit www.nopsa.gov.au.