Organisational Structure

How we’re managed

We’re committed to the maintenance and enhancement of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for every person who visits. Additionally, we have a crucial role in preserving the natural assets and heritage of the island.

Responsible Minister

The minister responsible for Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) is Hon Rita Saffioti BBus MLA, Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Tourism.

The Board

Guided by the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 and the scope of the Rottnest Island Management Plan, the Board manages and controls the overall direction of the island and its operations. The Board is composed of the chair and six members, each with a specific area of expertise. Each of RIA’s board members are appointed by the Governor, upon nomination by the Minister for Tourism.

Corporate Executive

The day-to-day management of the island is undertaken by the Executive Director, who reports directly to the RIA Board and CEO. Supporting this role is the Corporate Executive team, who manage the six operational areas.

Operational areas

There are six operational areas where we deliver services.

Visitor Services. Visitor Services leads RIA’s commercial operations across Rottnest Island, including accommodation services as Stay Rottnest, bike and equipment rentals through Pedal & Flipper Hire, and retail within the island’s visitor centre.
Marketing and Events. Marketing and Events leads destination marketing to stimulate a diversified visitation demand for Rottnest Island, and increase opportunities for visitors to understand the depth and diversity of the experiences available on the island.
Contracts and Planning. Contracts and Planning manages major contracts, the commercial and residential leases of buildings, and commercial agreements with recreational businesses on the island. The Contracts and Planning Directorate also manages development applications and associated processes.
Infrastructure. Infrastructure is responsible for Rottnest Island’s utilities and built assets, major and minor projects within the capital works program, asset management, and the state government-funded program for maritime infrastructure.
Environment, Heritage, and Parks. Environment, Heritage, and Parks is responsible for developing and delivering strategies to protect, conserve, and enhance the island’s natural and cultural values.
Corporate Services. Corporate Services ensures we have the necessary financial, information technology, and corporate support to undertake our role. This includes governance, strategic planning, policy and legislation, human resources, work health and safety, business intelligence, audit and risk, board administration, and ministerial liaison functions.

Staff

We employ approximately 130 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff, across each of the operational areas, in a range of different roles and responsibilities. From office staff to island rangers, staff are based both in Fremantle and on Wadjemup managing the operations of the island on a daily basis.

Working together to connect the community with WA’s natural attractions

In 2018, RIA became part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). This brought us into the fold with other functions and staff of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, and the Zoological Parks Authority.

DBCA focuses on improving Western Australia’s natural attractions as key tourism assets and creating opportunities for private sector investment and partnerships while conserving environmental values.

The Director General of DBCA is the Chief Executive Officer of the Rottnest Island Authority, as well as Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, and Zoological Parks Authority.

Bathurst Lighthouse and Pinky Beach

The leadership team

Stuart Smith

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Commencing as the Director General of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in 2023, Stuart is also the Chief Executive Officer of Rottnest Island Authority, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, and Zoological Parks Authority.

He brings three decades of extensive experience in State and Commonwealth public service positions to his role. With notable tenures including Chief Executive of Australia's offshore energy regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (2014 - 2023), and Director General of the WA Department of Fisheries (2008 - 2014), Stuart is renowned for his strategic acumen and ability to manage complex issues.

Jason Banks

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jason has more than 30 years’ public service experience, from policing to Chief Executive and Director General in the Energy and Environment portfolios, respectively. He was heavily involved in key microeconomic reforms and the deregulation of the state’s gas and electricity markets.

As inaugural Director General of the former Department of Environment Regulation, Jason led reform and the implementation of the State’s environmental licensing regime.

Jason joined RIA to lead delivery of projects under the National Tourism Icons program before commencing as Executive Director in July 2020.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and postgraduate qualifications in economics.

Deborah Taylor

DIRECTOR, VISITOR SERVICES

Deborah’s career in hospitality spans three decades. Having started in hotels in Perth, she has managed a wide range of properties including corporate, leisure, casino, and remote resorts across Australia. Prior to joining RIA, Deborah was a business coach and then the Director of Learning for Quest Apartment Hotels in Melbourne. She has a Master of Business Administration and has worked in both broad and specialist hospitality roles.

Brooke Gregory

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND EVENTS

Brooke has more than 25 years’ experience in the travel and tourism sector and specialises in consumer, partnership, and trade marketing across global markets, and joined RIA in February 2019. With a background in destination marketing, product development, retail travel and operations management, Brooke has held global marketing roles at Tourism Western Australia and Curtin University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and postgraduate qualifications in marketing.

Claire Piper

DIRECTOR, CONTRACTS AND PLANNING

Claire is a qualified lawyer and has over 15 years’ post-qualification experience working in both the public and private sectors, specialising in commercial property law. She previously held a senior position at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom, managing the legal and insurance team.

After arriving in Australia in 2015, Claire held the position of Associate at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where she was responsible for the commercial property portfolio of a major bank and worked on substantial agricultural property acquisitions for a major foreign investor.

Claire has broad senior management experience, encompassing both legal and commercial capabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and is admitted as a lawyer in both the United Kingdom and Australia.

Martin Marerwa

DIRECTOR, INFRASTRUCTURE

Martin has 25 years’ experience in civil engineering. He joined RIA from Water Corporation, where he led the asset condition assessment and engineering support team and had a significant role in the $200M Pipes for Perth metro water renewals program.

Martin has wide-ranging experience in the planning, design, delivery, and whole-of-life asset management of large, complex infrastructure. He has held various roles in asset-intensive organisations in the energy and utilities sectors in the UK and Australia, implementing and improving enterprise asset management systems. He is a chartered engineer and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

Arvid Hogstrom

DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE, AND PARKS

Arvid has spent more than three decades managing marine and terrestrial reserves, and has done extensive work overseeing the day-to-day management of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, with a focus on joint management with traditional owners and the development and management of new coastal reserves. He has significant experience in working with tourism enterprises and tourism-based infrastructure in conservation estates, as well as overseeing conservation and land management programs.

Arvid has also worked in species conservation with not-for-profit organisations and with Aboriginal corporations assisting with managing natural values and developing Aboriginal ranger programs. He has a degree in Natural Resource Management.

Lyn Cassettai

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE SERVICES

Lyn has worked in financial management for more than 25 years, leading teams to deliver financial reporting, audit and annual reporting preparation and accounting system implementation as well as corporate governance and finance and procurement policies and procedures. She has worked across multiple industries including accounting services, mining, not-for-profit, local government and the public sector. Lyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand.

Organisational Structure

How we’re managed