The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of Simon Ridge, the State's Mining Engineer, as the new executive director of Resources Safety, the body charged with enforcing safe work practices across the state's mining and resources sector. Mr Ridge was promoted to the role following the retirement of Malcolm Russell.

 

State Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore, welcomed the appointment of Mr Ridge, who has served in the Department of Mines and Petroleum for 16 years.

 

Mr Moore said the succession of Mr Ridge was a natural fit for the role.

 

“While Mr Russell was instrumental in driving resources safety reform in WA and establishing the RADARS strategy in 2009, Mr Ridge has been involved alongside him throughout the implementation process,” Mr Moore said.

 

Mr Moore said Mr Ridge will preside over a period of unprecedented focus on safety in the sector.

 

“The Western Australian Government is committed to overhauling the way safety and health in the resources industry are regulated and this appointment will ensure a smooth transition to continue the mines safety work under way and implement reforms proposed for the petroleum sector,” the Minister said.  


“I wish Mr Russell all the best for his retirement after 10 years at the helm and I thank him for his determination and efforts over the past two years in particular in strengthening safety regulation in the mining sector, and I look forward to working with Mr Ridge to implement changes that will help extend that across the whole industry in years to come.”


Mr Ridge will continue in the role of State Mining Engineer while he heads up the Resources Safety Division.