Media release: Oil and gas industry welcomes new offshore regulator Chief Executive Officer

Australia’s oil and gas industry has welcomed the appointment of Sue McCarrey as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) today said the industry looked forward to working with Ms McCarrey.

APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “The oil and gas industry is committed to safety and protecting the environment in which we operate and we will work with the national regulator to achieve the best outcomes in these areas.

“Ms McCarrey’s appointment comes at an important time for the industry with major projects under development as well as increasing decommissioning of assets coming towards their end of life.

“We continue to support the work of a robust regulator which can balance the need for efficient and effective regulatory processes.

“We look forward to working constructively with Ms McCarrey.”

Ms McCulloch also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Stuart Smith after his eight years in the role.

“Mr Smith is highly respected in government and industry circles and the industry thanks him for his service, which included structural reform of the regulator and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“He was always very approachable and constructive in carrying out his important work and we wish him well in the future.”

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