The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of one new member and two returning members to the Game Management Authority (GMA) board.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today confirmed Christopher Rose as a new member, joining re-appointed board members Dr Sandra Brizga and Ms Maggy Samaan.

Rod Drew who was a critical voice for hunters during the establishment phase of the GMA has retired from the board.

Chris Rose is well known to ADA from previous roles and his experience in land management will be important in GMA’s dealings with other Government Departments in particular and with the outdoors community more broadly. Chris also serves on the boards of the Victorian Fisheries Authority and South Gippsland Water, providing a neat alignment on a number of issues. 

The GMA faces a number of well publicised challenges and the ADA believes that Chris Rose will be a great addition to the GMA board.

We also welcome the re-appointments of Dr Sandra Brizga and Ms Maggy Samaan, both of whom have clearly demonstrated their commitment to engagement and to driving evidence based policy during their first terms on the board.

The three board members have each been appointed for three years and will play important roles in overseeing a strategic reform of the GMA.

Earlier this year the Government confirmed a $6 million funding boost for the GMA to ensure game hunting is conducted safely, responsibly and sustainably – as well as providing a 30 per cent boost to its staff numbers in the Victorian Budget 2019/2020.

From August, the GMA board will comprise of:

• Mr Brian Hine (Chairperson)
• Ms Margaret Donnan (Deputy chairperson)
• Dr Sandra Brizga
• Mr Ian Maxfield
• Ms Maggy Samaan
• Mr Mark Little
• Mr Christopher Rose

We look forward to continuing to work with the GMA board to drive better results for game management and for hunters.