
The Victorian Government is calling for Expressions of Interest for the new Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Board to help oversee the state's newest fisheries regulator.
The Victorian Fisheries Act 2016 passed the Parliament in November 2016, establishing the Authority as an independent entity to manage and regulate Victoria’s fisheries resources from July
1, 2017.
"Establishing the Victorian Fisheries Authority delivers a key element of our Target
One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often," explained Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
"We’re making sure we get the right mix of skills, experience and knowledge on
the Victorian Fisheries Authority Board so that our fisheries remain some of the best in Australia.
An independent skills-based Board of between five and eight Directors will be appointed, including a Chair and Deputy Chair. It will oversee the VFA and be directly accountable to the Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford.
The VFA will support the development of recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture across our state and be accountable for functions currently undertaken by Fisheries Victoria such as fisheries management, operational policy, licensing and compliance and enforcement.
The Labor Government is looking to appoint a Board with a breadth of skills, knowledge and experience to support the VFA to achieve its objectives, maintain good governance practices and make impartial, evidence-based decisions.
The VFA Act 2016 sets out the skills, knowledge and experience required for Board Directors and also specifies a number of exclusions.
"I encourage anyone with an interest in supporting the development of our fisheries for future generations to apply," Minister Pulford said.
Applications from women are strongly encouraged as at least 50 per cent of Directors will be women. Expressions of interest close on January 27, 2017. Directors will be appointed for a term of up to three years.
To apply see getonboard.vic.gov.au. and the Victorian Women’s Register at
www.womensregister.vic.gov.au. For more information on fishing in Victoria visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries.
Photo Credit: Whittley boats by Whittley.