In the wake of the recently held election in November, the Victorian government led by Premier Dan Andrews has unveiled his new cabinet.

Under previous arrangements, the Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney was responsible for hunting; however, with the creation of the new “Outdoor Recreation” portfolio held by the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, hunting will now be included in this along with Fishing and Boating; clarity will be provided by the Administration orders, which are expected shortly. These orders will designate the responsibility for government bodies such as the Game Management Authority and legislation such as the Wildlife Act. The Hon. Ingrid Stitt MP is now the Minister for Environment.

Such changes demonstrate the value of the ongoing committed advocacy provided by the Australian Deer Association. The Association looks forward to working productively with the relevant Ministers to advocate for the sound management of wild deer and public land access.