Madeleine Hartley appointed as CEO of irrigators’ council

NSW Irrigators’ Council chair Tom Green has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer, Dr Madeleine Hartley, who will be taking over the reins from Claire Miller on her retirement early next month.

An award-winning water lawyer with over 15 years’ experience in water law and policy, Madeleine is an advocate for pragmatic legal and policy frameworks that support sustainable water use and better outcomes for all water users.

Madeleine’s career spans academia, private practice, government, and consulting.

She has represented irrigators in legal proceedings, advised Ministers, and led government responses to major water reforms, record floods, and drought.

Growing up in Tamworth during the Millennium Drought as the granddaughter of a farmer and daughter of a rice scientist, Madeleine understands the vital role of agriculture in rural Australia.

“She will bring clarity, rigour, and compassion to the chief executive officer role, representing NSWIC’s 20 member organisations and more than 12,000 rural NSW water licence holders,” the NSW Irrigators’ Council said in a statement published earlier in June.

“At the same time, NSWIC must also sadly say farewell to outgoing chief executive officer, Claire Miller.”

During her five years at the helm, Claire’s sharp, insightful and measured advice has guided the organisation through numerous challenging water reforms including floodplain harvesting regulation and the federal Restoring our Rivers Act 2023.

NSWIC members have valued Claire’s strong, expert voice advocating positive solutions to support the ongoing viability of irrigated agriculture and the communities that depend on it, while improving environmental outcomes at the same time.

Claire is moving back to her home in Melbourne to spend more time with her family.

“While we will miss her passion, dedication, policy knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm for all things water, NSWIC is glad that she will enjoy some much-deserved relaxation after a long and varied professional career,” the NSW Irrigators’ Council statement read.

Madeleine will start with the NSW Irrigators’ Council on Monday, June 23 with a two-week hand-over period before Claire finishes up on Friday, July 4.