Stuart Smith spent three decades in State and Commonwealth public service roles. He had worked in multiple jurisdictions around Australia before settling in Western Australia.
Mr Smith has been the director general of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions since July 2023. He also became chief executive of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority, and Zoological Parks Authority. Mr Smith was formerly chief executive of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) for 8 years, director general of the Department of Fisheries for six years, and had worked at the Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources as well as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Mr Smith is also on numerous boards and committees, and he pursues his interest in the arts through volunteer roles such as his ongoing contribution as chair of the Newman Arts Festival.
He holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Australia, and a Graduate Diploma in Economics from the Australian National University.
