Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2022–23 Annual Report

Contents

Overview: About the agency

• Our strategic focus
• Our organisational structure
• Changes to the agency
• Our Minister
• Our Executive team
• Legislation administered by the agency
• Other related agencies (within the Minister’s area/s of responsibility)

The agency’s performance

• Performance at a glance
• Agency specific objectives and performance
• Corporate performance summary
• Employment opportunity programs
• Agency performance management and development systems
• Work health, safety and return to work programs
• Executive employment in the agency

Financial performance

• Financial performance at a glance
• Consultants disclosure
• Contractors disclosure

Risk management

• Risk and audit at a glance
• Fraud detected in the agency
• Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud
• Public interest disclosure

Reporting required under any other act or regulation

• Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005

Public complaints

• Number of public complaints reported
• Additional Metrics
• Service Improvements
• Compliance Statement

Appendix: Audited financial statements 2022–23

To:

Hon Clare Scriven MLC
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
Minister for Forest Industries

This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of Part 3 Section 12(6) of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the requirements of Premier and Cabinet Circular PC013 Annual Reporting.

This report is verified to be accurate for the purposes of annual reporting to the Parliament of South Australia.

Submitted on behalf of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions by:

Professor Mehdi Doroudi PSM
Chief Executive
Department of Primary Industries and Regions

From the Chief Executive

South Australia's food, wine, agribusinesses and regions are integral to the state’s economy and continue to deliver solid growth, despite challenges faced in recent years.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continued the delivery of vital industry regulation and support to our stakeholders, working in partnership with industry and regional partners to navigate pathways and develop solutions that enable the best outcomes for the state.

In the past year the resilience of the sector has again been clearly on display. Our regions and the agriculture, food, wine and forest industries continue to adapt, grow and innovate to maintain the state’s competitive advantage. PIRSA has been there to assist in protecting and maximising resources.

Our preparedness and ability to respond and recover quickly from adverse events that impact economic growth and community wellbeing is critical. Significant recovery focus continues in response to the 2022-23 River Murray floods with PIRSA managing such initiatives as:

• The Primary Producer Recovery Grants aimed at supporting producers to undertake recovery activities.
• The blackwater fish kill clean up.
• Additional family and business support services including Family and Business Mentors and Rural Financial Counsellors.
• Co-ordinating a program with the SA Dairyfarmers Association to undertake dewatering of inundated agricultural land in the Lower Murray region to return irrigated areas to production as soon as possible.

PIRSA delivered the final year of the $65 million bushfire recovery program. The program delivered a range of grants and initiatives to support primary producers on Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek to recover from the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.

PIRSA is delivering a range of programs to build resilience to future adverse events such as flood, fire and drought. Of particular note are the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. PIRSA is also a major partner in the SA Drought Hub which is focused on increasing preparedness for future droughts across South Australian farms and regional communities.

Biosecurity remains a key priority as we continue to face ever increasing pest and disease challenges. We remain on high alert to the risk posed by exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and avian influenza. PIRSA is partnering with livestock industries along with the Australian, state and territory governments to enhance our preparedness.

Endemic threats such as Fruit fly, Japanese encephalitis and varroa mite have also dominated our biosecurity and response activities.

The battle against fruit fly continues, particularly in the Riverland region to protect the $1.43 billion of horticultural produce grown annually in this state. Sterile Insect Technology production has been enhanced with the $3 million expansion of the national facility at Port Augusta and we continue to look at other innovative control methods to reduce the impact of this pest.

The delivery of key legislative reform is underway to ensure policy and legislation is fit for purpose and meets modern challenges. In December 2022, the Livestock Act 1997 was amended to strengthen South Australia’s ability to respond swiftly to an emergency animal disease outbreak. Development of the Veterinary Services Bill 2023 and a new Biosecurity Act for South Australia have also progressed.

Innovative research, development and adoption remains critical to grow the value of our primary industries through initiatives such as supporting the development of a new seaweed aquaculture sector, enhancing AgTech adoption, and the introduction of a No and Low Alcohol (NOLO) Trial Research Facility.

Supporting innovation saw PIRSA successfully co-host the premier Asia-Pacific AgTech event, EvokeAg, cementing South Australia’s reputation as an innovation hub and prime investment state for tech and start-ups.

Just as important as the growth of our seafood and aquaculture industries is the future sustainability of our fishing resources with scientific assessments undertaken to support fisheries management. The latest Snapper Stock Assessment report was a key factor in the decision to extend the ban on snapper until 30 June 2026.

PIRSA is supporting those impacted by the extended closure through licence fee relief for both the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery and Charter Boat Fishery. A research program is underway to build on understanding the factors which underpin snapper recovery and included the release of a further 100,000 snapper fingerlings into Spencer Gulf.

The recreational fishing sector is not only significant for our fisheries but also for our regional communities with PIRSA releasing in January 2023 the latest Recreational Fishing Survey showing almost 357,000 or 1 in 4 South Australians had gone fishing during the survey period.

To further protect and support our producers and regional communities, PIRSA continues to deliver several flagship programs to eradicate invasive species including:

• The $25 million Dog Fence Rebuild Project, now at the half-way mark with more than 800 kilometres of new fence now completed.
• $15 million, 10-year Wild Dog Eradication Program
• $14 million, 10-year Feral Deer Eradication Program
• $5.8 million Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Program with the permanent removal of all feral pigs from the island imminent.

The new Thriving Regions fund was also developed, informed by best practice in regional development and with the aim of achieving thriving, resilient regional communities through improved quality of life, developing diverse leaderships, implementing place-based programs, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, and capitalising on growth potential.

Despite the challenges and obstacles, there is great optimism for our primary industries and regional communities.

I would like to thank our staff for the work they have done over the 2022-23 year in support of our regional communities and primary producers.

I look forward to the year ahead as PIRSA continues to deliver and implement exciting initiatives set to see South Australia’s regions and primary industries continue to thrive well into the future.

Professor Mehdi Doroudi PSM
Chief Executive
Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Overview: About the agency

Our strategic focus

Our purpose

Stimulate the value growth of South Australia’s primary industries while protecting and sustaining the resources that underpin them, thereby building stronger regional communities.

Our agriculture, food, wine and forest industries are a major employer and our largest export sector accounting for more than half of the state’s merchandise exports. Primary industries and agribusiness directly generated $17.3 billion in revenue in 2021-22, which includes final sales from all primary production and associated processing.

Our regions make a substantial contribution to the state’s economy, not only through agribusiness but also through mining and minerals processing, manufacturing, tourism and energy production.

Regional South Australia contributes about $29 billion to the state’s economy with just 27% of the state’s population.

Our vision

Advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

Our values

The South Australian public sector values guide our behaviours and practices and apply to all employees regardless of position, technical expertise or location.

These values reflect our focus on the ever-changing needs of South Australians and the place of Government in helping to grow the state’s prosperity and wellbeing.

These values are honesty and integrity, collaboration and engagement, professionalism, courage and tenacity, respect, sustainability, service and trust.

Our functions, objectives and deliverables

Our priorities are to:

• Stimulate value growth – Grow the value of primary industries by leveraging government’s cross-functional capabilities to pursue opportunities where South Australia has a competitive advantage.
• Reset the operating environment – Remove barriers to economic growth of primary industries and the advancement of regions.
• Sustain the resource – Protect and maximise primary industry resources through integration of targeted research, monitoring, policy and regulatory interventions.
• Manage risk and recovery – Preparing for risks and being able to respond and recover quickly from adverse events that impact economic growth and community wellbeing.
• Enable regional growth – Support key regional development drivers.
• Perform well – Perform as a modern, flexible and responsive organisation that values its partners and people.

Our organisational structure

PIRSA is comprised of the following Divisions:

• Corporate Services
• Biosecurity
• Industry, Strategy and Partnerships
• South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Major Programs
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Regions

Changes to the agency

During 2022–23, there were the following changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes:

• A structural realignment of the former Industry and Regional Development division was finalised.
• A structural realignment was undertaken of Biosecurity.

Our Minister

The Minister is committed to regional development, improving regional opportunities, supporting small business and promoting the importance of primary industries sectors.

Prior to entering Parliament in 2018, the Minister’s career spanned forest industries, human resources, government policy and service delivery.

The Minister recognises the crucial contribution of primary industries and regional communities to the South Australian economy and the importance of partnerships between industry, government and communities.

Our Executive team

• Professor Mehdi Doroudi PSM – Chief Executive
• Michelle Griffiths – Executive Director, Corporate Services
• Nathan Rhodes – Executive Director, Biosecurity
• Jo Collins – Executive Director, Industry, Strategy and Partnerships
• Professor Peter Appleford – Executive Director, SARDI and Major Programs
• Professor Gavin Begg – Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Legislation administered by the agency

• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (South Australia) Act 1994
• Agricultural and Veterinary Products (Control of Use) Act 2002
• Aquaculture Act 2001
• Biological Control Act 1986
• Cross Border Commissioner Act 2022
• Dog Fence Act 1946
• Fisheries Management Act 2007
• Fisheries (Validation of Administrative Acts) Act 2002
• Forest Property Act 2000
• Forestry Act 1950
• Genetically Modified Crops Management Act 2004
• Impounding Act 1920
• Industrial Hemp Act 2017
• Livestock Act 1997
• Local Government (Forestry Reserves) Act 1944
• Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995
• Plant Health Act 2009
• Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998
• Primary Produce (Food Safety Schemes) Act 2004
• Primary Producers Emergency Assistance Act 1967
• Rural Industry Adjustment and Development Act 1985
• South Australian Forestry Corporation Act 2000
• Veterinary Practice Act 2003
• Wine Grapes Industry Act 1991

Other related agencies (within the Minister's area/s of responsibility)

PIRSA administers, but does not control, the following items on behalf of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.  These items are not recorded in the agency's controlled operating statement or statement of financial position as the agency does not have any discretion to deploy the resources for achievement of its own objectives.

• Adelaide Hills Wine Industry Fund
• Apiary Industry Fund
• Aquaculture Lease Rehabilitation Fund
• Aquaculture Resource Management Fund
• Barossa Wine Industry Fund
• Cattle Industry Fund
• Citrus Growers Fund
• Clare Valley Wine Industry Fund
• Dog Fence Board
• Fisheries Research and Development Fund
• ForestrySA – community service obligation
• Grain Industry Fund
• Grain Industry Research and Development Fund
• Langhorne Creek Wine Industry Fund
• McLaren Vale Wine Industry Fund
• Pig Industry Fund
• Riverland Wine Industry Fund
• SA Grape Growers Industry Fund
• Samcor Fund
• Seed Levies Fund
• Sheep Industry Fund

The agency's performance

Performance at a glance

PIRSA's key actions for 2022–23 were detailed in the PIRSA Corporate Plan  2022–23. These actions were monitored and reported to PIRSA Executive on a quarterly basis. This allowed Executive to review the agency’s progress towards delivering the annual Corporate Plan actions.

Agency specific objectives and performance

Corporate performance summary

Key actions for the Corporate Services division were detailed in the PIRSA Corporate Plan 2022–23. These actions were monitored and reported to PIRSA Executive on a quarterly basis to review towards completion.

In addition, selected Corporate Services programs are provided below.

Employment opportunity programs

Agency performance management and development systems

Work health, safety and return to work programs

^{* number of claimants assessed during the reporting period as having a whole person impairment of 30% or more under the Return to Work Act 2014 (Part 2 Division 5)}

^{** before third party recovery}

Data for previous years is available at: insert hyperlink to specific data.sa page and ensure data sources are referenced.

Executive employment in the agency

Data for previous years is available at: insert hyperlink to specific data.sa page and ensure data sources are referenced.

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has a workforce information page that provides further information on the breakdown of executive gender, salary and tenure by agency.

Financial performance

Financial performance at a glance

The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the agency. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2022–2023 are attached to this report.

For the financial year ending 30 June 2023, the department’s total comprehensive result was a surplus of $33 million, which was $94 million higher than original budget. This mainly reflects land and building assets revaluation increment and additional income received from State for various grant and regional support programs and the timing of expenditure reprofiled into future years.

The department’s net assets at 30 June 2023 were $142 million higher than original budget, mainly due to an increase in cash deposit with the Treasurer caused by timing of expenditure and revaluation increments for land and building assets.

Consultants disclosure

The following is a summary of external consultants that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for the work undertaken during the financial year.

Consultancies with a contract value below $10,000 each

Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each

Data for previous years is available at Consultants Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA.

See also the Consolidated Financial Report of the Department of Treasury and Finance for total value of consultancy contracts across the South Australian Public Sector.

Contractors disclosure

The following is a summary of external contractors that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for work undertaken during the financial year.

Contractors with a contract value below $10,000

Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each

Data for previous years is available at Contractors Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA.

The details of South Australian Government-awarded contracts for goods, services, and works are displayed on the SA Tenders and Contracts website. View the agency list of contracts.

The website also provides details of across government contracts.

Risk management

Risk and audit at a glance

PIRSA’s Risk and Performance Committee (RPC) provides independent oversight and advice to the Chief Executive on agency risks, controls, and performance across the agency by monitoring risk management processes, performance management, and external accountability requirements. The RPC also monitors activities associated with the control of fraud, corruption, other criminal conduct, misconduct, and maladministration within PIRSA.

PIRSA’s risk and audit function supports the RPC and the wider agency in the implementation of sound risk governance and risk assessment and building risk culture, as well as managing the delivery of the agency’s internal audit program.

Fraud detected in the agency

Nil fraud was detected and reported in the agency in 2022–23.

Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud

PIRSA’s approach to fraud and corruption control is informed by applicable legislation, the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment’s guidance policy on Fraud and Corruption Control, and relevant Australian standards. PIRSA’s Fraud and Corruption Policy and Plan defines the approach and key strategies for the prevention, detection, reporting and response to fraud, corruption, and other criminal conduct. These strategies include periodic staff training and awareness, fostering ethical culture within PIRSA, preserving appropriate segregation of duties, and maintaining a program of internal audits, the financial management compliance program and management reporting.

The agency’s Risk Management Policy and Procedure; Public Interest Disclosure Procedure; Purchase Card Procedure; and Guideline of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment: Gifts and Benefits also support activities related to mitigating the fraud risk at PIRSA.

Incidents of fraud are communicated to the RPC and changes to the agency Fraud and Corruption Plan are provided to the Auditor-General’s Department each year.

Data for previous years is available at: insert hyperlink to specific data.sa page and ensure data sources are referenced.

Public interest disclosure

Number of occasions on which public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018:

Nil public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency in 2022-23.

Data for previous years is available at: insert hyperlink to specific data.sa page and ensure data sources are referenced.

Note:  Disclosure of public interest information was previously reported under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 and repealed by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 on 1/7/2019.

Reporting required under any other act or regulation

Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005

PIRSA is not a required 'reporting agency', however, through its Carers'’ Policy, PIRSA has a strong commitment to carers. PIRSA provides support to ensure all employees who provide ongoing care for a person who has a disability or a chronic illness (including mental illness) or who is frail have flexible working arrangements to meet their situation. Employees are encouraged to speak with their manager to seek support with flexible working arrangements including special leave with pay, compressed weeks, part-time hours or working from home. Employees can also seek support and guidance through the Health and Wellbeing Program, which incorporates the Employee Assistance Program.

PIRSA is committed to recognising and supporting the role carers play in society, in particular our employees who have carer responsibilities.

Public complaints

Number of public complaints reported

Additional metrics

Data for previous years is available at: insert hyperlink to specific data.sa page and ensure data sources are referenced.

Service improvements

PIRSA enhanced the agency’s Customer Service Policy and Customer Service and Complaints Principles to align with the whole-of-government policies and reporting requirements. By thoroughly reviewing the existing guidelines, the agency identified areas where the Policy and Principles could be strengthened to ensure compliance, transparency and accountability. The agency implemented robust reporting requirements to track and measure customer satisfaction and response times. This improvement not only ensures adherence to governmental standards but also fosters a customer-centric approach that enhances the agency’s service delivery and supports continuous improvement.

In 2022-23, PIRSA took significant steps to review its online customer service form with the aim of providing a more user-friendly complaint process for customers. The agency analysed the existing form and identified areas of improvement and mechanisms to streamline the response process within the agency. Based on this assessment, the agency will implement a series of upgrades and enhancements to further refine the customer journey in 2023-24.

Compliance statement

Appendix: Audited financial statements 2022–23

Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2022–23 Annual Report – Independent Auditor's Report: Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PDF 2.6 MB)

Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2022–23 Annual Report – Independent Auditor's Report: Rural Industry Adjustment and Development Fund (PDF 2.1 MB)