CEO 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 protection laws across the state. We also need to ensure a financially sustainable EPA model to meet budget targets.

“Proposed changes will set up the EPA for the future.

“We will continue to prioritise our key regulatory priorities including work in forestry, air and odour, radiation, noise, dangerous goods, pesticides, plastics, climate change, circular economy, waste, water, contaminated land and industrial chemicals.

“These changes aim to bolster critical environmental protection capability and the delivery of our core regulatory functions through increased effectiveness and efficiency and are not targeted at frontline or regional workers.

“The NSW EPA respects employees’ right to express their views at PSA lunchtime rallies today and we continue to engage with staff and unions throughout the consultation period.

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

Further information:

• The NSW Environment Protection Authority is consulting on a proposed new operating model.
• The proposed new model could result in 69 ongoing staff job reductions, in addition to six senior service staff.
• It is anticipated a total of 182 affected employees may be placed either in 113 roles in the proposed new structure or supported to secure jobs elsewhere in the NSW public service where possible.
• The proposed total net reduction of 75 staff represents 8 per cent of our ongoing workforce of 885 staff.
• Implementation of the new model is not proposed until the first half of 2026, subject to the outcomes of formal consultation, impacted staff will continue in their roles until the mobility or role matching process is finalised.
• Today’s lunchtime meeting is not protected action, but we respect employees right to protest.
• Consultation is being managed in accordance with relevant provisions of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013, Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014 and related whole of government policies, including consultation with staff and unions.

View the 22 October 2025 statement: EPA statement on proposed organisational change