David McElrea

David McElrea is the Chief Executive Officer of the Smart Energy Council, Australia's peak body for renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, he led the organisation's policy and advocacy work as Chief Advocacy Officer. A lawyer by training, David practised as a solicitor in Australia and the United Kingdom before moving into public policy and government. He has worked at both state and federal levels, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Australia's Minister for the Environment and Water, where he led major policy initiatives across environmental reform, emissions policy and nature markets. David has also held senior leadership roles across professional organisations and civil society, and has served on the boards of major pension funds and community organisations. He lives with his family in Sydney.