The Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (the 'Council') advises the CEO on emerging issues and matters of major public concern relating to radiation protection and nuclear safety.
Council has the following functions in relation to radiation protection and nuclear safety:
- identify emerging issues
- examine matters of major concern to the community
- consider the adoption of recommendations, policies, codes and standards
- advise and report to the CEO, at the CEO's request or as Council considers appropriate, on the above and any other matters.
Current membership of Council
The appointed members and their terms are:
Chair
- Dr Jane Canestra, emergency physician with expertise in emergency medicine, public health, and emergency management including planning for radiological incidents
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029)
CEO of ARPANSA
- Dr Gillian Hirth AO
Person to represent the interests of the general public
- Mr Michael Denison, Biomedical Engineer, International Committee of the Red Cross
(27 March 2025 to 31 January 2028)
Radiation Control Officers
- Mr Mark Carey, Manager Environmental Health Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
(06 July 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Mr John Piispanen, Executive Director, Health Protection Branch, Queensland Health
(06 July 2026 to 30 May 2029)
Representative of the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
- Tracy Ward, Executive Director Health Protection, Public Health Division, Northern Territory Health
(1 November 2025 - 31 October 2028)
Other members
- Mr Jim Hondros, Director and Principal Consultant, JRHC Enterprises
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Mr Christopher Perry, Director of Operations for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Alfred Hospital
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Associate Professor Catherine Olsen, Senior Research Officer, Division of Population and Clinical Sciences, Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Dr Laura-Lee Innes, Senior Engineering Consultant, HRL Technology Group
(27 March 2025 to 31 January 2028) - Ms Michaela Orsmond, Client Director – Defence, Mott MacDonald Australia Limited
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Benjamin Blyth, Head, Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029) - Pamela Ameglio, Director, Exige. Former ANSTO Group Executive with extensive leadership experience in reactor operations, nuclear waste management and nuclear medicine production
(18 June 2026 to 30 May 2029)
