The Australian Government has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer for Australia’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
Dr Gillian Hirth has been appointed as the new CEO of ARPANSA for a five-year term.
Dr David Gillespie, the Minister with oversight of the agency, welcomed Dr Hirth to the important role.
“Dr Hirth has the strong technical and regulatory expertise and experience needed to ensure Australia maintains the highest standards of radiation and nuclear safety,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Dr Hirth will have regulatory oversight of key national facilities including Australia’s research reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney and the establishment of a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility. She will also provide advice on nuclear safety and contribute to strong stewardship arrangements for Australian nuclear-powered submarines.”
Dr Hirth has served as Deputy CEO of ARPANSA since 2017 and is currently the Chief Radiation Health Scientist.
She replaces Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson, who is retiring after 12 years heading the agency.
Minister Gillespie paid tribute to Dr Larsson.
“Dr Larsson has raised the international profile and reputation of Australia and ARPANSA as a leader in radiation protection and nuclear safety,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Dr Larsson increased the agency’s transparency and consulted closely with the community on regulation. He has also overseen progress towards a nationally uniform approach to radiation regulation across Australian jurisdictions.
“I wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his enormous contribution.”
For more information on the role of ARPANSA, visit www.arpansa.gov.au.