As of 1 July 2017, Fisheries Victoria became the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA). Future SOE reports will be prepared and published by the VFA. Statement of Expectation 2016-17 The department agreed to priorities for improvement through the initiatives outlined below. Small business regulatory burden Improvement Initiatives Targets Fisheries Victoria will actively work with sectors over the next 12 months to seek their input and advice on specific regulatory changes that would reduce their regulatory burden Identify and document sector-initiated regulatory improvement opportunities by June 2017 Role clarity Improvement Initiatives Targets Fisheries Victoria will develop a new Freshwater Fishery Management Plan Complete draft plan by 31 December 2016 Fisheries Victoria will implement harvest strategies for key Victorian fisheries Implement abalone harvest strategy by 31 March 2017 Fisheries Victoria will continue delivering Target One Million election commitments Increase fish stocking to 3.5 million fish by May 2017 Fisheries Victoria will implement a project to quantify total removals for the rock lobster fishery Report on progress and outcomes by 30 June 2017 Fisheries Victoria will implement improved management arrangements for the wrasse fishery Implement wrasse licence transferability arrangements by 31 March 2017 Fisheries Victoria will develop a high level strategy Complete by December 2016 Stakeholder consultation and engagement Improvement Initiative Target Fisheries Victoria will implement a customised regional engagement approach for the rock lobster fishery, as requested by the sector Implement approach from July 2016 Fisheries Victoria will use new technology solutions to more efficiently engage with all members of the Victorian Aquaculture sector Implement from July 2016 Accountability and transparency Improvement Initiative Target
Transparent I can expect to easily understand the way in which DEDJTR regulates both industry and community members Fisheries Victoria committed to the following improvement strategies with respect to the above principles: Improvement Initiatives Targets Implement a common complaints management standard for all Fisheries Officers to ensure transparency Report on outcomes in end of year reporting Monitor enforcement actions by officers and undertake enforcement action reviews as required Report on outcomes in end of year reporting Risk based compliance strategies Improvement Initiative Target Fisheries Victoria will fully adopt and comply with the various elements of the DEDJTR compliance framework, as outlined in the SOE Deliver a risk-based 2017-18 compliance strategy and annual compliance plan by 30 June 2017 Fisheries Victoria will target its compliance effort to the priorities outlined in the Minister’s Statement Publicly report on progress in addressing these priorities on a quarterly basis via the DEDJTR external website Compliance related assistance and advice Improvement Initiative Target Fisheries Victoria will collaborate with other departmental, portfolio and partner agency regulators in compliance planning and delivery Support the 2017 duck season opening weekend Collaborate with Marine Safety Victoria on operational delivery initiatives to promote safe fishing and associated activities Fisheries Victoria will further extend the reach and impact of its education programs through use of and social media approaches Develop and implement social media specific fisheries education tools on responsible fishing Regulator performance monitoring Improvement Initiative Target