Ref: MBR025475
File: GI030305
“*MBR025475*”
8 Nicholson Street
East Melbourne Victoria 3002
Australia
PO Box 500
East Melbourne Victoria 8002
Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9637 9940
Facsimile: +61 3 9637 8254
DX 210098
The Hon Roger Hallam
Chairperson
Game Management Authority
23/1 Spring Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Dear The Hon Hallam
GAME MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS
I am pleased to provide you with the first Statement of Expectations for the Game
Management Authority (GMA). This statement applies from the date of receipt until
30 June 2016, or until otherwise amended.
Improving the administration and enforcement of regulation
This statement is important to the discharge of my ministerial portfolio responsibilities and statutory powers. It sets out my expectations of the board's contribution as it relates to game hunting and game management.
As Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, I am responsible for administering the Game
Management Authority Act 2014. The statement should be read within the context of the objectives, functions and powers outlined in this legislation.
The statement outlines key governance and performance objectives aimed at improving the administration and enforcement of regulation and thus reducing its cost impact on business and the community. In developing actions to achieve these improvements, the GMA is expected to consult with business and the broader community as appropriate.
Improvements and targets
Based on consultation between the GMA, the Department of Environment and Primary
Industries (DEPI) and other government agencies, I have identified some key areas of governance and operational performance that the GMA should focus on in the first two years of operation.
Privacy Statement
Any personal information about you or a third party in your correspondence will be protected under the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2000. It will only be used or disclosed to appropriate Ministerial, Statutory Authority, or departmental staff in regard to the purpose for which it was provided, unless required or authorised by law. Enquiries about access to information about you held by the Department should be directed to the Privacy Coordinator,
Department of Environment and Primary Industries, PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 8002.

Role clarity
Establishment of the GMA fulfils a key Coalition Government election commitment to better regulate game hunting and improve game management outcomes in Victoria. The GMA will provide better services for game hunters, lead compliance and enforcement of game hunting and provide advice to government on better public land, pest management, and broader game management outcomes.
Consistent with good regulatory practice, a good regulator cannot both regulate and promote the industry. As such, the GMA will promote sustainability and responsibility in game hunting; however, it will not have an explicit role in promoting the industry.
It is important for the GMA to establish a reputation as an efficient and effective regulator during the first two years of operation. I expect you to have an operational plan outlining the
GMA’s role in game hunting and game management. A key focus of the operational plan will be a clearly articulated regulatory management system which clarifies the role of the GMA and the indicators your performance will be measured against.
Stakeholder consultation and engagement
Achieving the Victorian Government’s sustainability and safety outcomes for game hunting relies on providing accurate information to hunters and other users of public land. I recognise that the GMA is not solely responsible for safety, and that Victoria Police is responsible for firearms safety. I also recognise that the land management agencies, such DEPI, Parks
Victoria (PV), and catchment management authorities, must manage the land in accordance with their legislative responsibilities.
However, as the regulator of game hunting activities in Victoria, the GMA should be the authoritative source of game hunting and game management related information. In particular, I expect to see information on when and where game hunting can take place, but also on the safe use of firearms when hunting game.
The GMA’s website should provide accurate, up to date, clear and comprehensive information to encourage responsible hunting practices. It should also provide clarity on the rights and responsibilities of hunters.
The GMA should provide information and materials to actively encourage the game hunting community to participate in safe and responsible hunting, which is central to the long-term sustainability of game hunting and the welfare of game animals.
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Clear and consistent regulatory activities
Compliance with hunting legislation and regulations is critical for responsible and sustainable game hunting and game management. It is essential that the community and business have a clear understanding of their regulatory responsibilities and obligations with respect to game hunting.
It is important the delivery of game hunting regulation is efficient and effective, and delivered in a way that stakeholders can readily understand, and comply with. The regulatory environment should minimise regulatory burden while supporting regional economic development and sustainable use of Victoria’s game resources.
I expect you to review the current compliance and enforcement approach for hunting and game management, taking a risk-based approach, in order to determine appropriate resource requirements. I expect the GMA to clearly demonstrate application of this revised approach to deliver effective risk-based regulatory outcomes.
I also expect improvement in the way in which regulators measure their performance, as noted by the Victorian Auditor-General in the Effectiveness of Compliance Activities audit report in 2012.
Compliance related assistance and advice
A priority for me is assisting stakeholders to understand their obligations, in order to facilitate their compliance.
I recognise the high standard of training and professional competence of the GMA workforce.
I understand that you currently provide a range of information sources, assistance and education programs in order to improve voluntary compliance with the legislation. However,
I expect that you will extend the reach and impact of this information over the next two years to improve the extent of voluntary compliance.
I recognise the size of the GMA (both in terms of budget and operational staff numbers) means that you will have to collaborate with partner agencies from time to time to deliver efficient, consistent and well aligned regulatory services. I also understand that some activities such as land management are the responsibility of DEPI and PV – however, I expect that the GMA will work with all relevant agencies and that GMA officers will work closely and share their knowledge with other authorised officers.
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Reporting
I expect the GMA to respond to this statement, outlining how it intends to achieve the performance improvements and targets it sets. This response should include details of the specific activities that will be undertaken.
Reporting on your progress to achieve these performance targets should be undertaken as part of the GMA’s annual reporting process to avoid dual reporting streams. As part of annual reporting, I expect the GMA to report on:
• current baseline levels for improvements set in this statement; and
• activities to be undertaken to reach the improvements set out in this statement.
I expect the performance targets will be incorporated into the GMA’s Annual Business Plan, and this statement should be published on the GMA’s website upon receipt.
As a new regulator, I look forward to seeing the GMA embed good practice systems and processes. This will not only maximise compliance but also lay the foundation for further growth in the industry.
Yours sincerely
THE HON PETER WALSH MLA
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
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