NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, has thanked departing NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Chief Executive Officer, Tony Chappel, for his service over the past four years.
Mr Chappel is departing the Authority to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).
Minister Sharpe said that under Mr Chappel’s leadership, the EPA has prioritised community and industry engagement to protect the environment and the health of the people of NSW.
She said his leadership has seen the EPA work closely with the Government to deliver:
- landmark, tougher regulatory laws to prevent environmental harm and hold those doing the wrong thing to account;
- the best product stewardship laws in the country, with nation-leading battery stewardship to reduce deadly battery fires;
- a regulatory framework for environmental licence holders to get to net zero emissions by 2050, including the guide for large emitters; and
- progress towards a circular economy, including action to increase recycling, reduce plastic pollution, expand the Return and Earn scheme and divert valuable resources from landfill.
“Tony has looked for viable and practical solutions to some of our most challenging issues: chemicals like PFAS, asbestos and the pressure on landfill, while regulating industries without fear or favour,” the Minister said.
“He has rebuilt the specialist capability of the EPA, respected and worked closely with Aboriginal people and groups, and restructured the organisation to be fit for purpose for the challenges ahead.
“I wish him well in his new role at the Clean Energy Regulator.”
Nancy Chang, Executive Director Housing and Planning at The Cabinet Office will be appointed as Interim CEO. A formal Board recruitment process for the EPA’s next Chief Executive Officer will commence shortly.
In his new role, Mr Chappel succeeds David Parker AM, who has led the CER since 2017.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen welcomed Mr Chappel’s appointment and thanked Mr Parker for his outstanding contribution to the CER.
“Mr Chappel’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, with the Clean Energy Regulator’s work central to Australia’s energy transformation and progress towards net zero,” Minister Bowen said.
“He brings extensive experience leading statutory regulatory organisations, with a proven track record in governance, compliance and enforcement across complex operating environments including as CEO of the NSW EPA.
“The CER plays a critical role in delivering Australia’s clean energy transition, and Mr Chappel’s expertise and leadership will help ensure it continues to deliver Australia’s key climate and renewable energy programs with integrity.
“I also thank Mr Parker for his leadership in administering key climate and energy programs, including the Cheaper Home Batteries program and reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism and Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme.
“Over nearly a decade of service, David Parker has overseen one of the most significant periods of reform in Australia’s climate policy, and I thank him for his dedication and public service.”
