Petition Victorian Fisheries Authority workforce changes

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the Victorian Fisheries Authority announced it would permanently close Fisheries Stations at Braeside and Altona North, leaving no fisheries stations at the north end of Port Phillip Bay, and cut 44 per cent of full-time employed Fisheries Officers reducing from 69 to 39 positions. This is in pursuit of $9.4 million in Government savings without seeking or receiving a risk assessment. These cuts to both resources and frontline Fisheries Officers will inevitably compromise the State's ability to: enforce fishing regulations and protect its iconic marine life from criminals, along with the sustainability of Victoria's immensely valuable commercial and recreational fisheries; prevent significant numbers of drownings by undertaking regular and widespread marine safety inspections; deploy sufficient marine equipment, vessels and expert personnel as needed in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan; and prevent illegal or antisocial behaviour on crown land river frontage camping locations by providing a visible enforcement presence.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to inquire into whether the Victorian Fisheries Authority's '2025 workforce changes' announced on 20 May 2025 defies assurances implied under the 2023–24 Budget Paper No. 3: Service Delivery, 'COVID Debt Repayment Plan - savings and efficiencies' initiative, and ensure that frontline staff and service delivery be protected from cost cutting.