STATE Government LNG compliance unit general manager Andrew Brier has taken up a new position with Santos.
A Santos spokesperson confirmed that Mr Brier began employment as a compliance manager with the company on January 30.
The spokesperson said the position was "internally focused", assisting the company to meet its regulatory obligations, and would not involve interfacing with government.
The news follows confirmation that former Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) internal reviewer Rod Kent and LNG enforcement unit director Jim Belford had also left their government posts in recent weeks to take positions at Santos.
DERM assistant director-general Mike Birchley said Peter Pearsall would replace Mr Brier as LNG enforcement unit head.
Mr Birchley said Mr Pearsall had been selected through an "extensive merit based process" and that he would bring a "wealth of experience to the department".
However, the department did not respond to a request for details of Mr Pearsall's previous work history and qualifications.
Some landholder groups have expressed disappointment at the moves, with Save Our Darling Downs chair Stuart Armitage saying the "brain drain" of experienced and knowledgeable people from the impartial government to the resource sector was a blow to farmers.
"I don't blame anyone for getting a job in the mining sector, but it is typical of what is happening across the nation as people chase the higher-paying jobs with the miners," he said.
"In this whole mining versus agriculture debate the government is the weak link, with their inability to be up to speed with what the miners are up to.
"I think the government will struggle to find people with the same level of expertise to be in those government positions.
"It weakens the landholder's side considerably because there is not someone with the same level of experience to deal with their issues."
AgForce policy director Drew Wagner said while he was reluctant to comment on an individual's decision to pursue new career opportunities, it was important the State government recognised the expertise needed for high-level public service positions and ensured that replacements were suitably qualified.
"There has been a lot movement in both directions between government and the resource sector - it is not all one way traffic," he said.
"I have always found Andrew (Brier) to be very much a man of integrity and we would be looking to continue our relationship with him in his new role."
A Santos spokesperson said the company had recently publicly advertised and filled around 230 new positions.
"All of these people chose to apply for positions within the Santos GLNG Project. We considered all applicants on their merits and awarded the positions to the best candidates," the spokesperson said.
Email a friend