Retirement of Dr James Columba McNulty AO

13/4/00
Past and present Health Ministers from both sides of the political spectrum today paid special tribute to Dr James Columba McNulty for his distinguished leadership as Chairman of the Radiological Council.
For 27 years Dr McNulty spearheaded the council and its predecessor under the earlier Radioactive Substances Act, in the development of sound radiation protection policies that have given Western Australians a high standard of radiation safety.
In presenting Dr McNulty with a plague to commemorate his retirement, Health Minister John Day acknowledged the former chairman's achievements.
Born in Belfast in 1926, Dr McNulty came to WA in 1957 where he worked as a medical officer and superintendent at the Kalgoorlie Hospital.
His long and extensive career in occupational and public health included a 12-year term as Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Australian College of Medical Administrators.
Mr Day said that Dr McNulty was particularly remembered for his earlier occupational health work in the mining industry, notably relating to asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Following his retirement from the Health Department in 1987, Dr McNulty was awarded the Order of Australia in the New Year's Honours List of 1988 for services to medicine and health administration.
Under his chairmanship of the Radiological Council, Mr McNulty dealt with many radiation safety issues, most recently the Government's ban on the disposal of nuclear waste in WA.
Mr McNulty also received considerable public and media interest for his involvement on the issue of eye injuries from unsafe laser pointers.
Mr Day said Dr McNulty's decision not to seek a further term as chairman was regrettable after such long and meritorious service.
The Minister thanked Dr NcNulty on behalf of the community for his leadership and for providing WA with enviable radiation safety standards.
Media contact: Carole Cowling (08) 9213 6600