Federal industry and resources minister, Ian Macfarlane, said Alderson has had a long career in the Australian Government, with high level responsibilities for the petroleum and energy sectors.

Alderson has also served as a board member for a number of statutory authorities, including as deputy chair of the Pipeline Authority.

“Mr Alderson’s extensive board and government experience, coupled with his knowledge of offshore petroleum regulation, provide the right combination of skills for this position,” Macfarlane said.

“His experience, and that of NOPSA CEO John Clegg, will guide the new body in its early days and make sure it goes on to make a real contribution to the safety of offshore workers around Australia.”

NOPSA, the new national body responsible for the safety of offshore petroleum workers, officially started operation on 1 January 1.

“The offshore oil and gas industry is worth some $18 billion to Australia,” said Macfarlane.

“It is critical we look after the interests of the hundreds of people who work offshore to deliver this outcome for Australia. They often work in hazardous and isolated conditions.

“NOPSA’s aim is to provide a nationally consistent safety regime for these workers and to deliver world best practice safety regulation in Australia. NOPSA will become the central safety body for the industry, a national authority with uniform regulation, by replacing what was a mish-mash of state and territory based regulatory systems.”