Grant Barnes
Natural Resources Access Regulator (NSW)
Sponsored by Wynn Williams
Grant Barnes is Chair of the National Council of the Australian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT), a trans-Tasman network that connects environmental regulators to strengthen regulatory practice through collaboration, shared learning, and capability development.
Grant is also Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) in New South Wales, Australia, leading the state’s water compliance and enforcement activities. In this role he oversees regulatory operations and drives organisational capability, strong governance, ethical practice, and effective engagement with communities, industry and government partners, working closely with NRAR’s independent Board. Before relocating to NSW in 2018, Grant led the compliance and enforcement agency at Auckland Council.
ECC Feature Panel - The changing landscape of environmental compliance
The resource management system has undergone significant change in the last several years, with a rolling front of reform, policy wind backs and shifting community expectations. This panel discussion draws together the perspectives of key Trans-Tasman regulatory leaders on navigating reform and changes to the policy context alongside the day-to-day complexities of administering regulatory functions. The panel will explore key issues facing environmental regulators including leading through policy change, upholding integrity and independence, navigating changing tools and technology and how to go about monitoring system outcomes.