Three new board members have been appointed to the Game Management Authority (GMA), bringing new skills and experience to the independent regulator.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today announced the appointment of Dr Bronwyn Orr, Corrie Goodwin and Owen Cavanough for a term of three years. Ian Maxfield has also been reappointed to the GMA Board.

Dr Bronwyn Orr will bring significant animal welfare expertise to the GMA Board as a veterinarian with a Master of Science in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. Dr Orr grew up in regional Queensland and is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on the health of hunting dogs.

Ms Goodwin brings additional expertise in land management and public administration to the GMA Board, adding to her extensive regulatory experience in the Australian Dairy Industry.

Aboriginal culture and identity knowledge is maintained, with new director Mr Cavanough also bringing practical experience in sustainable and responsible game hunting.

The new appointments bring the GMA Board membership to eight Directors, increasing diversity with country Victoria-based members, gender equality, and Aboriginal representation.

The GMA works with the community as an independent regulator overseeing game hunting in Victoria through education, research and enforcement to ensure game hunting is conducted in a responsible and sustainable way.

The GMA is continuing to adopt best practice approaches to managing deer, duck and quail hunting; investing in research and new technologies to ensure evidence-based regulation.

Victoria has more than 50,000 licensed game hunters who contribute to the economies of towns and regional centres across the state, supporting jobs both directly and indirectly.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 delivered a $6 million funding boost to the GMA, which has increased staffing by almost 80 per cent, improved research and hunter engagement, and provided new equipment for officers.

The Victorian Government acknowledges the work of outgoing inaugural board members Deputy Chairperson Margaret Donnan and Mark Little for their leadership, hard work and oversight since the establishment of the GMA.