Welcome message from Richard Sellers, Director General

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Director General of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).

Since DMIRS was formed in 2017, I have watched the Department grow and strengthen its role in Western Australian workplaces and the community.

Workplace health and safety remains a key priority for the Department, and this includes the mental health and wellbeing of the State’s workforce.

Significant work is well underway within the Department as we move towards the implementation of WA’s new Work Health and Safety legislation – marking the State’s largest regulatory change in workplace health and safety since 1984.

Within this time of change, we will continue our efforts to engage with stakeholders and deliver on our commitments. This includes the release for public comment of a draft code of practice for psychosocial hazards in the workplace and the recent revitalisation of SmartMove, our online safety education site targeting younger workers.

We will also continue to develop best-practice educational tools, codes and guides to limit workplace incidents, create awareness and promote the benefits of a workplace culture where health and safety is a priority.

As our State’s workplace health and safety regulator, I thank every employer and employee for continuing to implement and follow the leading practices that underpin our aim to make Western Australian workplaces safe.

Richard Sellers was formally appointed Director General on 31 May 2021. He has held a number of senior roles in the public sector including Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; 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.