The Andrews Labor Government has extended Brian Hine’s term as chair of the Game Management Authority for a further three years from 1 July 2020.

The Andrews Labor Government has extended Brian Hine’s term as chair of the Game Management Authority for a further three years from 1 July 2020.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today announced Mr Hine’s reappointment.

The former Victorian Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner has more than 35 years of experience in the public sector, also taking in land management, health and human services and local government.

As chairperson since 2016, Mr Hine has led the GMA through a period of significant reform following the independent Pegasus Economics review of the organisation in 2017.

Mr Hine’s leadership has guided the GMA’s reform program, leading the delivery of the Labor Government’s $5.33 million Sustainable Hunting Action Plan – and his reappointment follows the selection in August of new member Christopher Rose and the re-appointment of Dr Sandra Brizga and Maggy Samaan.

Three other GMA board positions expire in mid-2020 and the Government will seek expressions of interest to fill those positions in the new year.

Victoria has more than 50,000 hunters who contribute more than $430 million to towns and regional centres across the state, supporting an estimated 3,500 jobs.

The GMA works with the community as an independent regulator and a facilitator of sustainable game management and quality hunting opportunities for future generations.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 delivered a $6 million funding boost to the GMA to keep Victorian hunting safe, responsible and sustainable – increasing staff at the GMA by 30 per cent, providing new equipment to officers, increasing the authority’s research capacity and rolling out a new Game Licensing System.

The Labor Government has also committed to the implementation of a new Adaptive Harvest Model to improve the way populations of duck and other bird numbers are assessed.

More information about the Game Management Authority is available on its new website, gma.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

“Mr Hine’s leadership of the Game Management Authority has steered the organisation through an important period of structural and operational reform.”

“His reappointment will keep continuity at the GMA as the agency continues to deliver the government’s initiatives, including a $6 million funding boost.”

“The GMA has an important role to play in ensuring that hunting in Victoria continues to be a safe and sustainable recreational activity.”