Expressions of Interest - Board Directors, Victorian Fisheries Authority

The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Outdoor Recreation is pleased to invite applications for appointment to the Board of Directors for the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) for a term of up to three years. The Minister is seeking to fill two Board positions.

The VFA is an independent statutory authority, reporting to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation. The VFA was established to manage Victoria's fisheries resources and boating infrastructure under the Victorian Fisheries Authority Act 2016 (the Act) and related fisheries and boating acts. The VFA works closely with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) and other stakeholders to deliver three core outcomes: sustainable fishing and aquaculture; clear resource access and sharing arrangements; and increased economic, social, and cultural value.

Pursuant to section 21 the Act, the VFA board consists of Directors appointed by the Minister. The board must consist of not less than 5 directors and not more than 8 Directors. Directors are appointed on the terms and conditions specified in the instrument of appointment. Members of the VFA are appointed for up to three years and are eligible for reappointment.

The VFA is led by a Chief Executive Officer, with support from an Executive Team.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced people to contribute to the workplace culture, governance, planning and risk management of the VFA, and to support the delivery of sustainable and healthy fisheries and recreational boating for all Victorians.

To be considered for a board position, you need expertise or experience in one or more of the areas listed below. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Island culture
• Workplace culture
• Public administration or governance
• Natural resource management
• Fisheries management
• Recreational boating
• Recreation fishing
• Leadership and business management, including human resources
• Stakeholder engagement
• Financial management, audit, and risk
• Communications
• Marine or freshwater science
• Fishing industry operations
• Legal practice

The positions also require Directors who will bring integrity; demonstrated honesty; a track record of acting in good faith and in the best interests of the organisation; the ability to listen, analyse, think clearly and work well with others; and a willingness to attend all meetings, ask questions and contribute in a responsible way.  Previous board experience is highly regarded but not essential.

Please refer to the Information for Candidates for further details about the role and requirements of VFA Directors, and for the Expression of Interest application form. 

The Victorian Government’s Women on Boards commitment has been in effect since 2015 and is ensuring that all public boards have no less than 50 per cent women. In 2021, 55 per cent of board seats are held by women, compared to 39 per cent six years ago.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government agencies reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from women, people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living in rural and regional Victoria. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

Applications including the completed Expression of Interest form and your Curriculum Vitae are to be submitted online by visiting ‘Join a public board’ referencing VFA Board application: Name of applicant, in the subject line.

To discuss this position, please contact Mr David Baber, 1300 347 437 or email dbaber@fisherleadership.com. Fisher Leadership is assisting the Department in this appointment.

At the completion of the application process, the Department will recommend to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation an appropriate mix of individuals that are able to contribute to the statutory roles and functions of the Board. The Minister will determine the final membership.

To discuss this position, please contact Mr David Baber, 1300 347 437 or email dbaber@fisherleadership.com. Fisher Leadership is assisting the Department in this appointment.

DJSIR provides reasonable adjustments for people with a disability. If you need adjustments to fully participate in the application or interview process, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion team at diversity@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

To receive this information in an accessible format (such as large print or audio) please contact the DJSIR Diversity and Inclusion team at diversity@ecodev.vic.gov.au..

Expressions of interest close at midnight on 28 April 2024.