Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2023–24 Annual Report (accessible page)

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 areas 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
• Service improvements
• Compliance statement

Appendix: Audited financial statements 2023–24

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

Date: 30/9/2024

From the Chief Executive

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has continued its work of advancing the prosperity and sustainability of the state’s primary industries and regional communities, working in collaboration with industry and partners to investigate and develop solutions that enable the best outcomes for South Australia.

The past year has been defined by solid industry growth, while programs and initiatives have sought to address the challenges facing the sector including a changing climate, red wine oversupply and ongoing biosecurity threats.

Once again, the resilience of our sectors is clearly on display as they continue to adapt, grow and innovate to maintain the state’s competitive advantages. PIRSA has been there to assist our industries as they work in protecting and maximising the available resources.

Delivery of primary producer support and recovery grant programs continue following the storms, fires and floods of recent years including the Family and Business Support Program and partnering with the Rural Financial Counselling Service. PIRSA, in partnership with the Australian Government, has also put in place resilience building programs including the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Farm Business Resilience Program and the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program.

PIRSA is collaborating across government and industry to help the state adapt, prepare and respond to climate change. This work includes the development of the Net Zero Agriculture initiative to deliver innovative, on-farm solutions and upskilling of the agriculture sector to enable industry to anticipate and meet market demands while exploring new market opportunities at the same time.

Over the past 12 months, as part of our work to modernise and further strengthen our industries, we have progressed our key legislative reform priorities including:

• Delivery of the Veterinary Services Act 2023, which aligns with both the contemporary nature of the profession and the standards expected by users and providers of veterinary services. We will continue to work with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia and other key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new Act.
• Development of the Biosecurity Bill, which aims to consolidate key biosecurity legislation to provide South Australia with a modern, flexible and responsive biosecurity framework. The development of the Bill was informed by extensive consultation with stakeholders.

The recent removal of trade restrictions for a number of products by China has been an extremely welcome development for the state’s primary industries and provides valuable opportunities with this important trading partner. Significant effort is being made to support the re-opening of this market including the development of a $1.85 million China re-engagement program for our wine industry.

PIRSA’s leadership of the national Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, the establishment of the Rural Business Support Fund for red wine grape growers, the implementation of the Riverland Wine Industry Blueprint and supporting the ethephon vineyard resting trial are further initiatives in support of our state’s $1.93 billion wine industry developed over the 2023-24 year.

Biosecurity remains a key priority as we continue to face ever increasing pest and disease challenges. With outbreaks of avian influenza and the detection of varroa mite interstate, we are on high alert to the risk these incidents pose to our local industries and are actively implementing preparedness activities and border control measures to mitigate the threats posed to our primary industries.

Our Biosecurity and Fisheries and Aquaculture teams have been active in managing the outbreak of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), a deadly abalone virus, in south east waters, while ongoing intensive surveillance by Biosecurity remains on Kangaroo Island to ensure all pigs have been eradicated following the success of the feral pig eradication program – a joint partnership with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ag KI and Livestock SA.

We also remain on high alert to the risk posed by emergency animal diseases (EADs) such as foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and African swine fever. PIRSA is partnering with livestock industries along with the Australian, state and territory governments to enhance our preparedness and remain vigilant to any developments associated with these diseases.

The battle against fruit fly continues to dominate our biosecurity and response activities both in the Riverland and the northern metropolitan area to protect the $1.15 billion of horticultural produce grown annually in this state, working in close association with the local communities and affected industries.

This activity has been enhanced by the $3 million expansion of the National Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility at Port Augusta, enabling us to double our output of sterile Queensland fruit flies, while the first sod has been turned for the $50 million biosecurity treatment precinct at Pooraka. A joint initiative with the Australian Government and industry, the precinct is the first multi treatment and inspection facility in the state. It will enable produce from restricted areas during outbreak responses to be sent to other parts of the state, and meet the entry requirements for Tasmania, Western Australia and overseas markets.

Research, development and adoption remains critical to growing the value of our primary industries. The South Australian Research and Development Institute’s (SARDI) scientists and technicians are highly regarded within Australia and overseas for their groundbreaking work. Collaboration with our universities and the broader scientific community both interstate and overseas continues to be critical to finding innovative solutions to meet the ongoing and future demands of industry.

This is illustrated through the successful hosting of the joint Asia Pacific Marine Biotechnology Conference and the Australian and New Zealand Marine Technology Society Conference in late 2023. The event spotlighted SARDI’s leadership and contribution to this field, vital to the health and resilience of our aquatic environment and associated industries.

South Australia is recognised worldwide for its robust and comprehensive fisheries and aquaculture management and legislative frameworks. The protection of our aquatic environment through our fisheries management plans, harvest strategies, environmental monitoring, aquatic animal health programs and aquaculture zoning requirements ensures South Australian seafood retains a high standard of environmental credentials.

Recent efforts include the finalisation of a new Lower Eyre Peninsula Aquaculture Zone Policy and a new 10-year commercial Sardine Fishery Management Plan, providing an ecologically sustainable management blueprint for both sectors.

With an eye to the future, PIRSA continues to actively promote the adoption of technology solutions for producers through its AgTech Program. The AgTech Growth Fund has continued to support innovative initiatives in our agricultural sector with seven projects securing $600,000 in grants announced in 2023-24 and a demonstration showcase at Lot Fourteen.

The latest in Artificial Intelligence technology is also powering bushfire detection and monitoring towers with PIRSA supporting a $2.3 million upgrade of the forest fire detection network in the Green Triangle, protecting our south east communities and plantation forests.

PIRSA is also assisting sheep and goat producers in taking up the mandatory technology for the Electronic Identification (eID) requirements coming into effect from 1 January 2025 under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). This includes the management of a $13 million package over the next two years with subsidies on tags and rebates on infrastructure to enable producers, saleyards and processers to make this transition.

Supporting our regional communities is of critical importance to PIRSA, including though the $15 million a year Thriving Regions Fund and its sub programs – Thriving Communities, Strengthening Industries, Enabling Infrastructure and the Regional Leadership Development program. Through infrastructure development, the implementation of place-based programs, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce and capitalisation on growth potential, this work is aimed at ensuring our regional communities are not only resilient but thrive well into the future.

PIRSA is renewing its commitment to White Ribbon with reaccreditation underway and delivery of its Gender Equity and Respect Action Plan a continued focus. PIRSA is also delivering on its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan with highlights including the establishment of an Aboriginal Staff Network and delivery of a Cultural Immersion Training Program.

I would like to thank our staff for the work they have delivered over the 2023-24 year in support of our regional communities and primary producers.

I look forward to the year ahead as PIRSA continues to deliver initiatives and regulatory frameworks to support the long-term stability, prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s regions and primary industries.

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 $18.5 billion in revenue in 2022-23, 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 $36 billion to the state’s economy with just 30% 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:

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

Changes to the agency

During 2023–24, changes were made to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes:

• A realignment of the SARDI and Major Programs division and the Regions division was undertaken, resulting in the following changes to the agency’s structure:
  • SARDI
  • Major Programs and Regions
• The Office of the Cross Border Commissioner was transferred to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet on 11 April 2024.

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
• Professor Gavin Begg – Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Jo Collins – Executive Director, Industry, Strategy and Partnerships
• Professor Peter Appleford – Executive Director, Major Programs and Regions
• Professor Hannah Brown – Acting Executive Director, SARDI

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
• Veterinary Services Act 2023 (uncommenced)
• Wine Grapes Industry Act 1991

Other related agencies (within the Minister’s areas 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 2023-24 were detailed in the PIRSA Corporate Plan  2023–24. 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 2023–24. 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

Data for previous years is available at: Work Health and Safety and Return to Work Performance Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA

Executive employment in the agency

Data for previous years is available at: Executive Employment Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA

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 2023–2024 are attached to this report.

For the financial year ending 30 June 2024, the department’s total comprehensive result was a deficit of $18 million, which is $4 million unfavourable compared to original budget. This mainly reflects additional expenditure on biosecurity responses, partly offset by additional revenue received from Commonwealth via Department of Treasury and Finance under Federation Funding Agreements.

The department’s net assets at 30 June 2024 were $106 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 2023–24.

Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud

PIRSA is committed to maintaining robust internal controls to safeguard public resources and interests. 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, conflict of interest procedures, regular fraud and corruption risk reviews, maintaining a program of internal audits, the financial management compliance program and management reporting.

The agency’s Risk Management Policy and Procedure, Procurement Policy and Procedures, 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 the Audit Office of South Australia. Additionally, required information relating to the risk of fraud is provided to the Audit Office of South Australia each year.

Data for previous years is available at: Fraud Detection Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA

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:

1 Public Interest Disclosure

Data for previous years is available at: Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower) Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA

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

Data for previous years is available at: Complaints Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA

Service improvements

Throughout the 2023–24 year, complaints have been monitored and, where themes have been identified, mitigation strategies have been implemented. The Fruit Fly response has been an area that has received numerous complaints, due to the nature of the program. In order to minimise these going forward, the following actions have been introduced:

• Regular reminder to Managers to keep the complaints / compliments register updated, this includes reminders to be timely in their responses to any complaints.
• Recently   the Fruit Fly Response Team undertook a conflict management training for 20   staff. A second training day is currently being organised.
• A   ground up review of the induction manual and training is currently being   finalised to improve how new staff are introduced into the program.
• Weekly   reminders by operations staff when briefing the ground crews in the morning   about the importance of their behaviour and interaction with the public.

PIRSA will continue to closely monitor the nature of complaints and is planning a review of the Customer Complaints section of the intranet in order to further raise the awareness of what to do if complaints are received.

Compliance statement

Appendix: Audited financial statements 2023–24

Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2023–24 Annual Report – Independent Auditor's Report: Department of Primary Industries and Regions ( PDF 9.3 MB )

Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2023–24 Annual Report – Independent Auditor's Report: Rural Industry Adjustment and Development Fund ( PDF 2.2 MB )