Parks Victoria Chief Executive 'departs' role as state government announces review of organisation

Parks Victoria Chief Executive Matthew Jackson has today “departed his position by mutual agreement” following an announcement by the Victorian Government of a full independent review into the agency.

Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the wide-ranging review and departure of Jackson on the last parliamentary sitting day of the year.

Challenged by a backlash from a number of community and sporting organisations over access to public land, the state government announced its appointment of consultants KordaMentha to assist with a wide-ranging review aiming for completion of the review by March 2025.

KordaMentha describes itself as “an independent and trusted firm providing specialist cybersecurity, forensic, financial crime, performance improvement, real estate and restructuring services. We help clients grow and maximise value, protect from financial loss and reputational damage and help recover value in tough times.”

Minister Dimopoulos noted “the review will focus on Parks Victoria’s priorities, the delivery of its objectives under the Parks Victoria Act 2018, the organisation’s administration, finances, functions and delivery model - to identify ways the organisation can reduce red-tape, improve customer service, and deliver better outcomes for Victorians.”

The Minister accepted Parks Victoria was failing its objectives noting “it’s clear that Parks Victoria’s current operations need to be improved to meet community expectations.

“I have therefore ordered a comprehensive review of Parks Victoria, to advise how the organisation can better serve the needs of Victorians and help them enjoy the great outdoors."

The Australian responded to the announcement by the Victorian Government noting “for five years Parks Victoria Chief Executive Matthew Jackson rubber-stamped a secretive process that destroyed Victoria’s reputation as a world destination for rock climbing and pitted First Nations people against outdoors enthusiasts.”

Parks Victoria released a new management plan in early November 2024 for Mount Arapiles, in western Victoria, with plans to close half of the climbing routes as well as the renowned Pines campground that for decades has been a hub for Australia’s climbing community.

Parks Victoria claimed it consulted the climbing industry when drafting the new management plan because the Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network (GWRN) had provided a 54-page report “from a rock-climbing perspective” to assist decision-makers.

However Save Grampians Climbing said this document was kept secret from the wider climbing community adding “no consultation was had with Climbing Victoria or Outdoors Victoria about this plan … (and) there are no public community meetings scheduled. It’s like they actually don’t want to hear any feedback.”

Australian Climbing Association Victoria Treasurer Mike Tomkins said Parks Victoria had overseen a debacle noting “we are finally going to get some transparency over the debacle that has affected the Grampians and Arapiles. Parks Victoria has used the parks as their own private state.’’

Climbing Victoria spokesman Mike Rockell said it had been poorly handled and added “It’s a very pleasing development and it didn’t need to come to this …they’ve failed to consult, they’ve wilfully decided not to consult with us.’’

On Jackson’s departure, Save Grampians Climbing added “this guy has been in charge of Parks Victoria throughout the last 5+ years and has been instrumental in the destruction of climbing and the community’s faith in government consultation.

“Environment Steve Dimopoulos appears to have pivoted away from his hard-line stance against climbers after intense media and community pressure. He now talks up the benefits of outdoor recreation.”

Minister Dimopoulos advised that Graeme 'Gus' Dear has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of Parks Victoria advising he has a “passion for the great outdoors”, “loves the bush” and is “hooked on fishing.”

Commenting on the appointment, Minister Dimopoulos added “his leadership will ensure Parks Victoria continues to provide accessible, enjoyable outdoor experiences while protecting and enhancing the state’s natural environment.”

Parks Victoria manages more than four million hectares of parks and reserves which attract more than 100 million visits every year.

Image: Outgoing Parks Victoria Chief Executive Matthew Jackson. Credit: Parks Victoria.