Chris Shaw was appointed as the inaugural Director General of the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) and commenced in the position in August 2025. He has held key leadership positions in government and the private sector, with a particular focus on developing policy and regulatory settings that enable resources sector projects to advance in an effective way while bringing broader benefits to the community. In his previous role as Deputy Director General – Approvals at the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, he oversaw the department’s regulatory functions and delivered the most significant reforms in decades. He has also worked in Queensland and the Northern Territory and brings to DMPE a strong focus on its role in ensuring the resources sector continues to be a leading contributor to a thriving Western Australia.