EPA statement on proposed organisational change

Attributable to Tony Chappel, CEO NSW Environment Protection Authority:

“As the state’s independent environmental regulator, we need to change the way we operate to better deliver on our significant responsibilities – including the recent strengthening of environment protections across the state. We also need to ensure a financially sustainable EPA model to meet budget targets.

“We are setting up the NSW EPA for the future. We now have expanded regulatory powers to prevent environmental harm, prosecute criminals and deliver product stewardship. These changes are needed to rebuild critical specialist and high-risk regulatory capabilities, bolster our frontline compliance activity and free up our people in the field to focus on core services, in line with community expectations.

"I acknowledge this is difficult news for many of our employees and we are doing everything possible to support people through this process.

“Our staff deeply believe in what we do, their work protecting the state’s environmental and human health, enabling investment and innovation in the circular economy and being environmental stewards is critically important for NSW communities, and it will continue.”