Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson will retire from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) on 21 March 2022.
Dr Larsson joined ARPANSA as CEO in March 2010 following a successful career with the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority.
During his 12 years leading ARPANSA, Dr Larsson has led a gradual transformation of the federal government agency, leveraging international engagement to further build Australia’s reputation as a leader in radiation protection and nuclear safety.
‘I am proud of what the agency has achieved during my 12 years as CEO,’ said Dr Larsson. This is a credit to the competence and dedication of staff across the organisation, and their willingness to take on new challenges.
‘We have been successful in raising the international profile of Australian expertise and made significant advances in science, in the effective regulation of radiation across jurisdictions, and delivering services to the Australian community.’
Highlights from Dr Larsson’s time at ARPANSA include:
- Increased transparency and visibility of ARPANSA’s regulatory and scientific activities through expanding public communication and international engagement.
- Progress towards a coordinated approach to radiation regulation across Australian jurisdictions with independent advice from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission in 2018.
- Significant upgrade of laboratory and building infrastructure, and investment in new technology to enhance and support service delivery and research.
- Modernisation of management system and internal data handling to improve the agency’s internal workflows and ensure consistent and efficient operations.
- Incorporating community engagement and participation into radiation protection and nuclear safety licencing and advisory activities.
‘My focus has always been on building a culture of safety, consultation and transparency and I value the input and engagement we have received from communities, members of the public, the scientific community and the nuclear sector.’
‘It has been a privilege to work with so many advocates and experts, including our dedicated staff and government colleagues who have achieved a lot during my time as CEO,’ said Dr Larsson.
Following Dr Larsson’s retirement, the Australian Government has appointed Dr Gillian Hirth as CEO of ARPANSA.
Dr Hirth was appointed Deputy CEO in 2017 and currently serves as Chief Health Radiation Scientist. She is the current Australian Representative and Chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).
‘It is an honour to be appointed CEO of ARPANSA which represents independent regulation in radiation protection and nuclear safety,’ said Dr Gillian Hirth.
‘I am committed to ARPANSA’s broad and interesting program of work that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.’
Dr Hirth is a member of the Commission on Safety Standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a member of the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
‘I look forward to leading the agency as we oversee the implementation of important national projects such as the establishment of a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility and contributing to the development of strong stewardship arrangements for an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability,’ said Dr Hirth.
At a global level, Dr Hirth joins a handful of female CEOs in large nuclear organisations.
Read more about the Australian Government announcement on: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-dr-david-gillespie-mp/media…
