State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has announced that its chief executive, Carmel Donnelly, is the new chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Donnelly has served as SIRA’s chief executive for four years. In her time at the regulator, she led the implementation of the NSW government’s 2017 reforms to the CTP scheme, which provided broader coverage for people injured on the roads and more affordable premiums. She also strengthened the regulator’s approach to protecting customers and held insurers accountable through increased public reporting, regulatory supervision, and enforcement.
As chief executive, Donnelly prioritised employee wellbeing and engagement and focused on diversity. She also served as the chair of the Department of Customer Service’s Aboriginal Employee Resource Group and Ability Employee Resource Group.
Donnelly also supported mentally healthy workplaces through recovery at work programs developed in partnership with people with lived experience of mental health challenges, and she oversaw a major review of healthcare arrangements in NSW CTP and workers’ compensation. Most recently, she supported the implementation of the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020.
Donnelly will remain at SIRA until a new chief executive takes on the role by July 01, 2021. While waiting for a replacement, she will continue SIRA’s regulatory program and consideration of upcoming reports from the Law and Justice Committee and the McDougall Review. She will also work with the SIRA Board and leadership team to prepare for a smooth handover to the incoming chief executive.
