Australia appoints John Brandley as CEO for National EPA

The Albanese Government has appointed John Bradley PSM as the Chief Executive Officer of Australia's first National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA).

The agency is set to begin operations on 1 July.

The National EPA is a key part of the Government's environmental law reforms. It will act as an independent regulator, overseeing compliance and enforcement of environmental laws while helping to streamline project approvals.

Veteran regulator selected

Bradley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across environmental regulation, water, energy, climate, natural resources and planning.

Most recently, he led Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for eight years.

He has also held senior leadership positions in the environment, resources, energy and water sectors in Queensland and Western Australia.

Backing from government

“Bradley’s diverse background in public administration, industry and the not-for-profit sector make him the ideal candidate to effectively deliver real gains for the environment and business through the National EPA,” Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said.

“I look forward to working with him as we bring the three pillars of our environmental reforms to life – stronger environmental protections, faster project approvals and greater transparency.”

Five-year term begins

Bradley has been appointed for a five-year term.

“The National EPA has a critical role to play as the agile, independent umpire Australia's environment needs,” Bradley said.

“I look forward to ensuring the National EPA is a trusted, effective regulator which applies stronger environmental standards consistently and in a timely way, using streamlined processes,” he added

Brandley will work closely with the stakeholders and jurisdictions who have already contributed significantly to these reforms, as the National EPA hits the ground running this year.