Victoria’s leading shooting and hunting organisation has welcomed the State Government’s decision to merge the Game Management Authority (GMA) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) into a new, expanded statutory body: Outdoor Recreation Victoria.
SSAA Victoria said the announcement marks an important evolution in how the state manages and supports active outdoor recreation – particularly hunting and fishing, which remain the backbone of regional outdoor participation and economic activity.
A reform long in the making
SSAA Victoria first advocated for a statutory authority for game hunting more than fifteen years ago, recognising that hunting never sat comfortably, nor performed optimally, when placed as a “poor cousin” within either the environment or agriculture portfolios.
“The creation of a dedicated authority was always about putting game management where it belonged: in a specialist, skills-based agency that understands active outdoor recreation rather than treating it as an afterthought to unrelated policy agendas,” the Association said.
The Government’s establishment of the Outdoor Recreation Ministry in 2022 was an early signal that it shared this view – acknowledging that hunting, fishing and similar pursuits sit most naturally within an economic development framework rather than an extractive-use or strict conservation model.
Promoting hunting must be part of the new mandate
While the VFA has long enjoyed a clear, legislated mandate to promote recreational fishing, the GMA has been expressly prohibited from promoting hunting. This constraint has limited the state’s ability to unlock the full social and economic benefits of regulated, ethical game hunting.
SSAA Victoria said a modern authority must correct that imbalance.
“If Outdoor Recreation Victoria is to genuinely advance the interests of outdoor recreation, then hunting promotion must form part of its functions. The potential benefits for regional Victoria, in particular, are extraordinary – but they can only be realised if the new authority is empowered to support growth, education and participation.”
A strong foundation to build on
Since its formation in 2013, the GMA has grown into a specialist, fit-for-purpose regulator staffed by skilled officers with deep expertise. SSAA Victoria said it has been clear with government that this capability must be protected.
“We are pleased that the Government has confirmed no GMA staff will be lost in the transition. Their professionalism and knowledge are essential to the success of the new authority.”
Representing Victoria’s hunting community
SSAA Victoria represents 47,000 members, including more than 15,000 licensed game hunters, making it the state’s largest organisation representing active outdoor recreation participants.
Committed to working with the government
The Association said it looks forward to working closely with the Government as Outdoor Recreation Victoria takes shape.
“This reform is an opportunity to strengthen the future of hunting and fishing in Victoria, support regional communities, and modernise the way our state manages active outdoor recreation. We look forward to contributing constructively as the details are developed.”
