Carmel Donnelly PSM — Chair
Carmel is an experienced chief executive, board member and regulator with over 35 years of public sector experience. She was the Chief Executive of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and has also held executive roles in emergency services and insurance regulation. Carmel’s career has been focused on improving financial, economic, health and social outcomes for both individuals and the broader NSW community.
In January 2022, Carmel was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to regulatory reforms in NSW.
Carmel commenced as Chair of the Tribunal on 1 July 2021 and has been appointed for a term of 5 years to 30 June 2026.

Online public hearing - WaterNSW rural bulk water prices from 1 July 2021 - Draft report
Online public hearing - Review of Water Management prices from 2021 - Draft report
Fact sheets on draft report
New IPART website and branding launched
- Other Industries
Review of Fire & Rescue fees
- Water
Hunter Water Operating Licence Review 2021-22
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has now completed the review of the Hunter Water 2017-2022 operating licence.
- Energy
Electricity network operator licence fees 2021-22 – Review of methodology
Under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, the Minister for Energy and Environment is responsible for issuing licences for the transmission and distribution of electricity in NSW.
- Other Industries
2021 Annual update to net rates of return for domestic waterfront tenancies
Following the recommendations of IPART’s 2011 review of the method for determining rents for domestic waterfront tenancies, the Premier has asked IPART to carry out the annual update to the net rates of return used in the formula to set rents for