The Western Australian Government has appointed Chris Shaw as Director General of the Department of Mines, Petroleum, and Exploration, as a part of its mission to drive focus on the state’s priorities.
Shaw will step into the role on 4 August 2025, using his experience from his current position as the Deputy Director General Approvals for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to add value and expand on community benefits within the minerals and resources sector.
Prior to this, Shaw worked as an executive Director for the Queensland Department of Resources, which the government believes is an indication of his extensive knowledge within the industry and track record of managing complex negotiations to ensure the delivery of these projects.
Graduating from the University of Queensland, Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science honours in marine biology and ecology.
The government is introducing this role, along with four other public sector leaders of departments including the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Department of Treasure and Finance, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, and Sport, and Department of Housing and Works.
Premier Roger Cook says the new leadership roles will help the Western Australia meet opportunities and challenges associated with the state’s economy.
“My government has a plan to make our economy more resilient by backing our resources sector, diversifying our economy and making more things here, and the public sector leadership renewal I am announcing today will assist us to deliver on our commitments,” Cook says.
“These appointments build on the public sector reforms we announced earlier this year, which are delivering nine reshaped departments, which will assist us to diversify our economy and create jobs, as well as deliver our bold health infrastructure and housing programs.”
Producing more than 50 different minerals from 134 projects, Western Australia is considered the export hub for resources in Australia.
As reported by Mining.com.au, Western Australia contributed a record-breaking $150 billion to the national economy from the resources sector alone in 2023-2024.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Horizon
