Recognised regulatory, public policy, safety and governance leader Carolyn Walsh has been appointed to the role as Chair of the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for a five-year term.
Ms Walsh has more than 30 years’ experience leading regulatory reform, risk management, safety and public accountability. across Commonwealth and NSW Government agencies, statutory authorities and advisory boards.
She currently serves as a Board member of the NSW EPA, providing strong governance oversight and deep institutional knowledge of the EPA’s regulatory role and strategic priorities. She is also the Chair of the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee.
Ms Walsh previously served as Chief Executive of the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator, where she led oversight of safety and reliability across public transport services and provided independent advice to government on risk, governance and system performance.
The respected and long serving public sector senior executive has also held roles within the NSW Cabinet Office and the Commonwealth Government, including senior policy leadership positions spanning economic development, industry regulation, infrastructure and public sector reform.
Her career includes representing Australia internationally on regulatory and public policy matters and advising Ministers on complex legislative, governance and accountability issues.
NSW EPA Chief Executive Tony Chappel welcomed Ms Walsh’s appointment to her new role as Chair, saying she brings deep regulatory expertise and strong governance leadership to the organisation.
“Carolyn brings extensive experience in regulation, risk management and public sector governance, as well as five years’ experience on the EPA Board, which will be invaluable as the EPA continues to strengthen environmental protection and compliance across NSW,” Mr Chappel said.
“Her leadership and understanding of complex regulatory systems will support the EPA’s work to protect human health and the environment, while maintaining public confidence in our role.”
Ms Walsh said she was honoured to be appointed to the new role and looked forward to supporting the authority’s important work over the next five years.
“It is an honour to be appointed as Chair of the NSW EPA. The EPA does such important work and having served on the Board for the past five years, I look forward to continuing to work closely with my fellow Board members, the EPA executive and staff,” Ms Walsh said.
“The EPA continues to work in partnership with Aboriginal people, industry and the broader community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems, strengthen environmental regulation, support evidence based decision making and maintain community trust in its work.
“I thank the NSW Government for the honour and privilege of serving NSW communities in my new role as Chair of the Board and supporting a sustainable future for NSW.”
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