Bill to overhaul outdoor authority debated

The Outdoor Recreation Victoria Bill 2026 is designed to streamline the administration of outdoor activities by merging the Game Management Authority (GMA) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) into a single statutory body called Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV). 

The bill seeks to promote greater participation in activities like fishing, hunting, camping and four‑wheel driving, improve access to public land and waterways (including through a new Land Access Panel), and provide a more streamlined, centralised system for managing and supporting these activities while boosting regional economies and encouraging more Victorians to enjoy the outdoors. 

In his second reading speech Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos described the reform as central to a broader vision of a more accessible outdoors. 

The proposed authority would retain ‘the strong regulatory responsibilities for game hunting and fisheries currently managed by the VFA and GMA, while expanding their functions to play a critical role in promoting broader participation in outdoor recreation, supporting sector development and promoting and supporting access to public land for outdoor recreation,’ he said.

“ 'We have heard from Victorians that they want more opportunity to get out and about in nature, and this government is committed to making that happen.' ”

Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment

The dual mission is deliberate. The government says the reform is not just about streamlining bureaucracy, but about expanding opportunity. 

'We have heard from Victorians that they want more opportunity to get out and about in nature, and this government is committed to making that happen,’ he said.  

‘Whether it’s fishing, four-wheel driving, camping, hunting, bushwalking or any other outdoor activity… ORV will help more locals and visitors experience the full range of outdoor opportunities in Victoria.’

Recreational fishing and boating contributed $5.82 billion to the Victorian economy in 2019 and supported 56,000 jobs, while game hunting contributed $356 million and supported 3,138 jobs.

Member for Eastern Victoria Jeff Bourman backed the changes, endorsing the need for enforcement to remain central.  

He said the reform was a logical evolution. 

‘This bill is an institutional reform bill. It does not change who can hunt or fish or where they can do it,’ he said. 

'For me, the most exciting part is the Land Access Panel. Access is not just permission; it is roads, signs, facilities, information and confidence. Done properly, this could quietly become one of the most significant land access reforms in decades.'

Evan Mulholland, Member for Northern Metropolitan, said the opposition would not block the legislation.  

'Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime; it is a way of life for hundreds of thousands of Victorians, whether it be recreational fishing, hunting, camping, prospecting, trail bike riding, horseriding or four-wheel driving. These activities connect people with the great outdoors. They strengthen communities and support regional economies,’ he said.

“ 'Done properly, this could quietly become one of the most significant land access reforms in decades.' ”

Jeff Bourman, Member for Eastern Victoria

Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan David Limbrick said ‘the idea of merging agencies and hopefully creating some efficiencies is a good idea’, though he cautioned that ‘whether it leads to better outcomes… may come down to implementation’.

Member for Southern Metropolitan Katherine Copsey said the Greens would oppose the bill. 

She argued the reforms lack key safeguards. 

‘Integration without institutional safeguards can simply concentrate conflicting responsibilities inside a larger organisation,’ she said. 

And she warned the bill ‘does not establish clear statutory separation between the compliance and enforcement work and the promotional  functions of this new authority’. 

The full debate is available to read in Hansard.