Corporate Governance

A message to our stakeholders

Perth Zoo will become part of the new Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions from 1 July this year.

This new department will bring together the functions and staff of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority.

It will be led by Interim Director General Mark Webb PSM and have a strong emphasis on improving Western Australia’s natural attractions as key tourism assets, and creating opportunities for private sector investment and partnerships while conserving environmental values. Another benefit is that it will consolidate conservation science under one department to build and share knowledge of the State’s biodiversity.

This will be a staged and smooth transition, with no disruption to day-to-day operations and services for visitors at Perth Zoo, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Bold Park, Rottnest Island or at any of the State’s many national and marine parks. It also provides an opportunity for greater behind-the-scenes collaboration among like-minded people to keep enhancing these natural attractions that are enjoyed by millions of visitors each year.

The public sector renewal process announced by the Premier Hon Mark McGowan MLA represents a very significant structural change across government, and Perth Zoo will continue to keep our stakeholders informed as we implement the new department.

The Minister

The Minister responsible for the Zoological Parks Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 is the
Hon. Stephen Dawson, MLC – Minister for Environment; Disability Services.

The Zoological Parks Authority

The Zoological Parks Authority (‘the Authority’) is a body corporate with perpetual succession. The functions of the Authority, outlined in Section 9 of the Act, include controlling and managing Perth Zoo – in which zoological specimens are kept, displayed and cultivated/bred, for conservation, research, scientific, educational, cultural or recreational purposes. Other specific functions include:

• conducting (and collaborating in) breeding programs for the preservation of threatened animal species;
• the conservation and management of non-threatened species;
• conducting public education and awareness programs;
• providing and promoting recreational services and facilities at Perth Zoo; and
• conserving and enhancing the gardens, amenities and natural environment of Perth Zoo.

The Zoo Act and Regulations

In 2002, the new Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 (the ‘Act’) came into effect and with it were actioned new Zoological Parks Authority Regulations (the ‘Regulations’). These Regulations provide clear guidelines to what behaviour, actions and responsibilities are acceptable within Perth Zoo.

Copies of the Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 and the companion Zoological Parks Authority Regulations 2002 are available for viewing or purchase from the State Law Publisher. Any enquiries regarding the Act or Regulations can be made to Perth Zoo on 08 9474 0444.

Freedom of Information

A copy of Perth Zoo’s Freedom of Information Statement is available here:

Perth Zoo’s Freedom of Information Application form is available here:

Perth Zoo Board

The Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 states that the Authority’s Board of Management (the ‘Board’) is the governing body of the Authority and shall comprise eight members appointed by the Minister. Members may be appointed for any term not exceeding four years and are eligible for reappointment.

The Board meets regularly and carries out its responsibilities in line with an approved Code of Conduct for Government Boards and Committees.

The current membership of the Board is:

Mr Brian Easton AO, Chairperson

Mr Brian Easton has had a distinguished career in the Public Service spanning three decades. Mr Easton served as CEO at Perth Zoo from 1999-2003 during which time he also served as Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Australasian Zoos Association. In 2003, Mr Easton became a Director of Melbourne Zoo assisting with strategic planning, designing new displays and visitor facilities, and in the importation of elephants from Thailand. Currently, he operates a rural property based on sustainable living practices encouraging community involvement through innovative displays and educational programs. Mr Easton was re-appointed as Chair of the Zoological Parks Authority commencing on 31 August 2014 for a three-year term.

Ms Susan Harrington, Deputy Chairperson

Ms Harrington recently retired as the WA Health Department’s Medical Entomologist and is a highly experienced biologist and researcher, having worked in a range of ecosystems in Australia (including Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands), the Sahara and the Antarctic. She is the recipient of several community service awards including the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal for services to the community. Ms Harrington was reappointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board as Deputy Chairperson on 2 December 2016 for a three-year term.

Ms Rebecca Tomkinson​, Member

Rebecca Tomkinson’s professional experience includes government relations, strategic policy development, social advocacy and stakeholder management together with delivering key business growth initiatives in both the government and non-government sectors. She developed Bankwest’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and Diversity and Inclusion program. Prior to joining MercyCare as Executive Director, Aged Care Services, Ms Tomkinson was the Chief Operating Officer for a large not for profit organisation. She held the position of Director Government Relations for UnitingCare Australia and worked within Parliament House Canberra as a Policy Advisor and Whips Clerk. Ms Tomkinson is a fellow of Leadership WA and has over 15 years’ experience working with private companies and national and local government organisations providing strategic planning advice, managing business development initiatives and building communication and marketing strategies.  Ms Tomkinson was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 30 August 2017 for a 12-month term.

Dr Kellie Pendoley, Member

Kellie Pendoley has over 30 years’ experience as an environmental practitioner within extractive industries in Western Australia, and has participated in the environmental management of multiple large-scale oil and gas developments. With her extensive knowledge of marine turtle biology and ecology, Kellie has designed and implemented marine turtle research and monitoring programs within industrial settings for a range of companies operating in Australia and overseas. She has a special interest in monitoring and modelling artificial light pollution and has over 20 years of experience in developing equipment and techniques to quantify biologically meaningful light. Kellie’s Community Service includes; a Ministerial appointment on the Gorgon project Marine Turtle Expert Panel and on the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program Scientific Panel and she is a recent past Marine Parks and Reserves Authority Board Member. Her International appointments are as the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group - Australasian Regional Vice-Co Chair and she was recently elected to the International Dark Sky Association Board. Dr Pendoley was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 2 December 2016 for a three-year term.

Dr Harriet Mills, Member

Dr Mills is a wildlife ecologist with over 20 years’ experience in terrestrial vertebrate research. She has worked as a Lecturer in Conservation Biology at Edith Cowan University, and she was an academic at UWA for over 15 years, teaching in various units in Zoology, Conservation Biology, Agriculture and Science Communication.  Harriet's PhD research was on the reproductive biology, ecology and genetics of the Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and much of that work was done in the first few years of the establishment of the Dibbler breeding program at Perth Zoo. Current research interests include vertebrate ecology, pest management and dasyurid life history. Dr Mills was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 15 November 2017 for a 12-month term.

Mr Ian Cowie PSM, Member

Ian is currently the CEO at the City of Gosnells, one of Western Australia’s largest local governments. He has held this position for the past seven years. Prior to joining local government in 2006, Ian worked as a State Public Servant for 18 years in a variety of positions in regional development, housing and local government. Ian has an honours degree in Geography from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Science degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. In 2013, Ian was announced Leader of the Year in Local Government by IPAA WA and, in 2014, he was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for Service to the City of Gosnells. Mr Cowie was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 30 October 2015 for a three-year term.

Mr Alex Lamond, Member

Mr Lamond has combined a formal engineering/science educational background with an applied business management focus. His continuing formal studies have included an MBA from Melbourne Business School, and Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance and Investment and Business (Marketing). Mr Lamond has had hands-on CEO, senior executive and leadership experience in a range of appointments and is currently an Executive Director at ERGT Australia (a national safety training specialist for the Oil & Gas industry), with responsibility for finance and business development functions. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served on a number of public, private and government boards. Mr Lamond was reappointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board in September 2015 for a three-year term.

Ms Nicole McAlinden, Member

Ms. McAlinden is a Senior Environmental Consultant with more than 16 years’ experience working across environmental impact assessment and environmental health. In her role as an Environmental Consultant, Ms McAlinden’s focus is the environmental impact of mining, major infrastructure and land development projects, particularly in relation to threatened flora and fauna. In previous roles as Executive Officer to the national enHealth Council and Senior Policy Officer with the Department of Health, Ms McAlinden gained significant experience and expertise in national environmental health policy development and environmental health risk management. Ms. McAlinden was reappointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board in December 2016 for a three-year term.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP)

Perth Zoo established a Disability Services group in 1995 and created its first Disability Services Plan (DSP, now changed to Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, [DAIP]) in 1996. This plan addressed barriers for people with disabilities wanting to access the Zoo’s services and facilities.

The DAIP addresses the Zoo’s statutory requirements under the WA Disability Services Act (1993) and its obligations under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

Perth Zoo’s DAIP has been reviewed twice since 1996 and a third time to create this DAIP.

Since the adoption of the initial DSP, Perth Zoo has embraced the principles of inclusion and made significant progress towards improved access for people with a range of disabilities. You can download a copy (standard print, large-print) below.

You can contact the Zoo by email perthzoo@perthzoo.wa.gov.au or phone (08 9474 0444) if you need these documents provided in hardcopy or on disk.

DAIP 2017-2022