Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2021–22 Annual Report
Contents
- 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)
- Performance at a glance
- Agency response to COVID-19
- Agency contribution to whole of Government objectives
- 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
- 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
Appendix: Audited financial statements 2021–22
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:
Prof Mehdi Doroudi PSM
Chief Executive
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions
From the Chief Executive
South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities have continued to showcase growth, resilience, and determination.
Over the past year the state has faced enormous challenges through the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of adverse weather events, including damaging storms and bushfire recovery, as well as managing a number of biosecurity threats to plants and animals.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continued to lead delivery of support for our stakeholders, with a responsibility to ensure the provision of effective and coordinated responses to challenges as they arise, while enhancing the environment to support and drive continued growth and development.
We work in partnership with our industry and regional partners to navigate pathways and develop solutions that enable the best outcomes for the state. PIRSA’s industry and regions forum held on 11 April 2022 saw more than 170 key industry stakeholders, government agencies and partner organisations meet together to build a common understanding of our individual and broader shared priorities. It also enabled constructive conversation about shared issues and challenges and identification of potential actions we can partner on in future.
Despite challenges faced, our regions and the agriculture, food, wine and forest industries continue to adapt, grow and innovate to maintain our competitive advantage and PIRSA is there to assist in protecting and maximising resources.
In the past year we continued the advancement and uptake of technology to assist our industries through initiatives including the AgTech Start-Up Hub and Test-Bed Program, we’ve developed the plant-based food incubator laboratory through the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and we are further developing Sterile Insect Technology for animal and plant pests.
We are focused on sustaining our resources and have delivered the Seafood Growth Strategy and undertaken Fisheries Scientific Assessments to support fisheries management.
Whether it is providing grass roots support through our Family and Business Support mentors program, drought resilience efforts and workforce needs, to delivering timely grants and information and assisting positioning to capitalise on opportunities, this agency has a vital role to play.
Underpinned by strong government policies, industry needs, global opportunities and our legislative mandate, our operating plan outlines how PIRSA will achieve our vision and purpose in partnership with our stakeholders.
Among the initiatives of importance delivered in the past year are:
- Delivering a $7.45 million state-wide recovery program, cost shared with the Commonwealth Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, to assist primary producers address the agricultural impacts of the Spring 2021 hailstorm event.
- Delivering on the State Government’s election commitment to protect the Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf, preventing the taking of Cuttlefish in the waters north of Arno Bay and Wallaroo.
- The completion of the $1.2 million Regional Work SA project that continues to link job seekers and vacancies across South Australia's eight Regional Development Australia regions.
- Continuing efforts for Fruit Fly eradication. More than $81 million has been spent on eradicating fruit fly in South Australia from 2019-2022. Fruit fly outbreaks were successfully eradicated across the state, including 12 in metropolitan Adelaide. Teams are continuing to respond to outbreaks in the Riverland. During peak response times, more than 480 staff have been involved in these efforts.
We also know there are challenges ahead and we are working in partnership with our regions, our primary industries and our partner agencies to prepare and position for these, including the current high alert to Emergency Animal Disease risks, with a particular focus on the recent confirmation of cases in Indonesia of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease.
In my first year as Chief Executive, I would like to thank our staff for the work they have done over the 2021-22 year to support our regional communities and primary producers.
I am looking forward to the year ahead and delivering our agenda with some exciting initiatives set to see South Australia continue to thrive and our regions and industries to deliver not just for this generation, but for many more to come.
Prof 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 $15.4 billion in revenue in 2020-21, 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 – Partner with industry to 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 – Enhance prosperity by removing barriers to the 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 delivered in collaboration with industry and the community. Manage Risk & Recovery – Support primary industries and regional communities to manage risk, respond and recover quickly from adverse events that impact economic growth and community wellbeing. |
Our organisational structure
PIRSA is comprised of the following Divisions:
- Biosecurity
- Corporate Services
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Industry and Regional Development
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)
Changes to the agency
During 2021–22, 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 within the following divisions was undertaken during the 2021–22 financial year:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- SARDI
- Corporate Services
The two other divisions commenced processes to consult on proposed structural changes.
In addition, the Pastoral Unit which provided oversight of the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 was realigned to the Department for Environment and Water as part of the machinery of government changes. Preparations occurred for this to take effect on 1 July 2022.
Our Minister
The Hon Clare Scriven MLC is the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Minister for Forest Industries.
The Minister is committed to regional development, social and economic inclusion, improving educational opportunities and supporting small business.
She was State Manager of the Australian Forest Products Association as well as being previously employed in private sector roles in forestry and human resources.
The Minister has many years’ experience in government policy and service delivery. She also understands first-hand the rewards and challenges of self-employment.
Our Executive team
- Professor Mehdi Doroudi PSM – Chief Executive
- Jo Collins – Executive Director, Office of the Chief Executive
- Nathan Rhodes – Executive Director, Biosecurity
- Dr Peter Appleford – Executive Director, Industry and Regional Development
- Professor Gavin Begg – Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Michelle Griffiths – Executive Director, Corporate Services
- Dr Kathy Ophel Keller – A/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
- Fisheries Management Act 2007
- Fisheries (Validation of Administrative Acts) Act 2002
- Forestry Act 1950
- Forest Property Act 2000
- Genetically Modified Crops Management Act 2004
- Industrial Hemp Act 2017
- Impounding Act 1920
- 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
Further information can be found at Legislation
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 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
- 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 2021–22 were detailed in the PIRSA Annual Operating Plan 2021-22. 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 Operating Plan Actions.
Agency response to COVID-19
In 2021-22, PIRSA provided effective and coordinated support to South Australia’s primary producers to guide them through the pandemic.
PIRSA staff responded to a significant number of individual queries from industry members, as well as providing targeted, specific industry-wide email updates on current COVID-19 restrictions and maintaining an informative website as a source of COVID-19 information for primary producers. From September to November 2021, PIRSA worked closely with SA Health and SAPOL on the urgent assessment and processing of hundreds of Cross Border Permits for Essential Travellers, assisting industry to secure much needed workers for key harvest and processing roles and enabling cross border community members to enter South Australia.
Prior to the reopening of state and international borders, PIRSA explored a wide range of options to enable international workers to enter South Australia to address various skill shortages in our sector. To maintain business continuity with the sector, PIRSA provided critical assistance and industry intelligence to SA Health for the development of essential worker protocols for close contact workers and assisted industry to access Rapid Antigen Tests to reduce COVID-19 cases in the workplace.
PIRSA hosted regular industry stakeholder meetings and attended national meetings to provide high level support to industry and hear and address concerns directly. The constant and professional engagement with industry has been repeatedly recognised by industry members.
Agency contribution to whole of Government objectives
| Key objective | Agency’s contribution |
|---|---|
| More jobs | Increasing productivity, Growing regions, Maintaining market access |
| Lower costs | Regulatory excellence and reforms, Securing production, Managing adverse events |
| Better Services | Building partnerships, Organisational performance |
Agency specific objectives and performance
Agency objectives | Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|---|
Drought Resilience Programs | Action: Deliver drought resilience programs including the Commonwealth’s Future Drought Fund Farm Business Resilience Program, Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and SA Drought Hub | The Monitoring and Evaluation analysis and report for the Drought Support Program was finalised. Governance arrangements for the Future Drought Fund funded PIRSA programs and the SA Drought Hub have been instituted. |
Bushfire Recovery Programs | Action: Continue delivery of bushfire recovery programs, including Local Economic Recovery Programs projects | 204 people have been supported through the Family and Business Support project since the 2019/20 bushfires. Producers were supported through the Bushfire Recovery Hotline. $26.7 million was distributed to bushfire impacted primary producers via Clean Up Grants. $30.8 million funding was secured to deliver bushfire recovery projects. 90% of people identified that grant funding through the Bushfire Clean Up Grant supported their (and their business’) recovery. The PIRSA Bushfire Recovery Team continue to work with the community and deliver on ground activities with over 9,400 engagements through workshops, field days, property visits and community events. Additional communication products have also been distributed through digital and traditional media channels including social media, newsletters, newspaper articles, email/mailouts and fact sheets. Increased surveillance and education about livestock, freight and fodder movements for Kangaroo Island (KI) was undertaken. Animal health support for fire affected producers finished in June 2022, whilst biosecurity surveillance at Cape Jervis will continue until June 2023. A total of 38,009 vehicles, caravans and freight inspections took place by biosecurity officers at Cape Jervis. An additional 515 machine hygiene inspections also took place at Cape Jervis. 46 KI producers attended five Animal Health workshops. Weed control equipment subsidy was provided for 18 producers on KI totalling $44,000. 37 viticulturists and four horticulturists were supported in replanting and rehabilitating bushfire impacted plantings for a total of $5.9 million to accelerate their return to business. The phytophthora workshops were finalised in the 2021/22 financial year. The PIRSA Grants team finalised assessment of a special round of KI On Farm Emergency Infrastructure Water Grants Program for KI Bushfire impacted producers. $0.5 million was provided towards control activities of Tasmanian Blue Gum Wildlings on KI. $1.2 million of grant funding was provided to assist primary producers to clean up and restore blue gum plantations and return to productive agriculture land on KI. $0.8 million grant funding was provided to support small plantation owners to clean up and restore plantations to productive agriculture land in Cudlee Creek. 48 producers were supported in building capability via the KI farm Business Management project. |
Red Meat and Wool Growth Program | Action: Deliver year 3 of the Red Meat and Wool Growth Program | Over 1,900 producers have benefited from the Program to date along with over 1,200 other industry service providers and representatives across the supply chain. An additional $5 million has been leveraged into the Program from Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds, Animal Health Australia, Sheep Connect SA, Meat and Livestock Australia and producer co-investment. 279 businesses applied for the Livestock AgTech Adoption Rebate totalling more than $2.1 million worth of applications. This generated close to $5.5 million worth of investment in AgTech, further training and business advisory support to drive productivity gains. 285 businesses participated in the Livestock Enterprise Planning workshops to enhance their business skills, develop a Farm AgTech Adoption Plan and set priorities to improve their productivity and profitability. Over 1,000 producers attended Tech Expos, field days and forums with 70% of these producers intending to make changes to their businesses as a result. Over 100 service providers (stock agents, consultants and wool buyer/brokers) feel more confident supporting their producer clients wanting to adopt eID. Potential reach of this improved support is more than 11,700 producers. Over 280 producers are currently exploring the opportunities provided by the adoption of technology, data-driven decision making and best practice management through their involvement in the producer technology groups. The first round of facilitated discussions (40 producers) revealed that the Program has improved their decision-making abilities by 73% and their farm efficiencies by 63%. The Sheep and Cattle Health Guides, Risk Calendars, Sheep Augmented Reality Emergency Animal Disease Tool, Sheep Health Conditions Carcass Impacts Tool and Better Health 4 Better Wealth regional workshops were delivered. Enhancements to the OneBiosecurity online system were completed. |
Agriculture Workforce Needs | Action: Respond to agriculture workforce needs impacted by COVID-19, in partnership with industry, Commonwealth and state agencies | The $1.2 million Regional Work SA project was completed and continues to link job seekers and vacancies across South Australia's 8 Regional Development Australia regions. |
AgTech Strategic Plan | Action: Deliver on the objectives of the AgTech Strategic Plan and develop opportunities for those in the primary industries supply chain to adopt new AgTech to raise sector productivity and profitability | 76 AgTech companies, totalling 90 AgTech solutions, were deployed on farms. 5 PIRSA AgTech Extension Officers were appointed. 2 additional AgTech start-up hubs were established to support AgTech entrepreneurs. AgTech Test-Bed Program was established. AdvanceAg was held in October 2021. 5 field days were held across Struan-Kybybolite, Loxton and Nuriootpa attracting 370 primary producers, technology providers and industry representatives. KI AgTech Hub was initiated. 874 users of Struan Virtual Tour. Completion of 4 virtual tours at Nuriootpa, Loxton, Turretfield and Minnipa. Update of Struan-Kybybolite virtual tour. AgTech Growth Fund recommended applications approved to commence. |
AgTech Innovation Hubs | Action: Establish AgTech innovation hubs in the South East and on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia | PIRSA’s AgTech Start-up Hub Program supports entrepreneurs to develop entrepreneurship and technology capabilities to solve critical industry challenges. The AgTech Start-Up Hubs have been established in key locations across South Australia including in the South East, Eyre Peninsula, Riverland, Kangaroo Island and specifically for the Fisheries and Aquaculture industry. |
Opportunities for New Water Infrastructure | Action: Commence investigations into opportunities for new water infrastructure, including to the Barossa and Eden Valley and Clare Valley, and support the use of water for production through the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme | Work is underway on a Detailed Business Case for the Barossa New Water Project and a Preliminary Business Case for the Clare Valley Water Project. Work is about to commence on a preliminary Demand Study for the McLaren Vale Irrigation Water Security Project. Work in relation to Eden Valley and Northern Adelaide is continuing. All projects are being supported through the National Water Grid Fund. |
Marine Scalefish Fishery | Action: Implement a new quota management system and associated new licensing and compliance arrangements for the reformed Marine Scalefish Fishery | Individual transferable quota management was introduced for the 4 priority species in the fishery – Snapper, King George Whiting, Southern Garfish and Southern Calamari. This included the allocation of quota unit entitlements to licence holders and the setting of quota unit values and total allowable commercial catches. To support the integrity of the quota management system, a new compliance regime was introduced, including various reporting and catch and disposal requirements which will be refined on an annual basis with industry feedback. |
Quota Arrangements for Quota Managed Fisheries | Action: Implement policy for quota carry-over arrangements for South Australia’s quota managed fisheries | Legislation to implement policy for over-catch and under-catch of quota for South Australia’s quota managed fisheries is now in effect for Blue Crab, Vongole, Pipi, Snapper, King George Whiting, Southern Calamari, Garfish, Rock Lobster and Giant Crab, Sardines, Abalone and Gulf St Vincent Prawn fisheries. |
Reviews of Fisheries Management Plans | Action: Complete reviews of the Gulf St Vincent Prawn Fishery and Sardine Fishery management plans | The review of the Management Plan for the Gulf St Vincent Prawn Fishery was completed, and a replacement management plan will come into effect on 1 July 2022. A draft management plan for the Sardine Fishery has been developed with input from industry. This draft plan is currently with industry for their recommendation to PIRSA. |
Aquaculture Opportunities | Action: Cultivation of algae to be included in the Hardwicke Bay area for the first time, to enable a new opportunity for the local aquaculture industry | In early 2020, PIRSA commenced a targeted review of the Aquaculture (Zones – Eastern Spencer Gulf) Policy 2005 to add algae as a prescribed species for aquaculture within the Hardwicke Bay (inner), Hardwicke Bay (middle) and Hardwicke Bay (outer) subtidal aquaculture zones. The targeted review was initiated following interest raised by the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation to farm algae in these waters. The Aquaculture (Zone - Eastern Spencer Gulf) Amendment Policy 2021 came into operation on 11 May 2021. |
Aquaculture (Standard Lease and Licence Conditions) Policy 2022 | Action: Finalise the Aquaculture (Standard Lease and Licence Conditions) Policy 2022 to encourage aquaculture development, by simplifying, standardising and clarifying lease and licence conditions across aquaculture sectors | The Aquaculture (Standard Lease and Licence Conditions) Policy 2022 was approved on 16 February 2022 and will come into operation on 18 August 2022. The policy prescribes standard conditions of aquaculture leases and licences which holders are required to adhere to. A 6-month period (16 February to 17 August 2022) was provided to allow aquaculture lease and licence holders time to understand their obligations and to make or prepare for any necessary infrastructure or operational changes as a result of the policy. |
Fisheries Scientific Assessments | Action: Provide fisheries scientific assessments to support fisheries management | 10 integrated fisheries stock assessment reports were delivered for a range of species including abalone, sardine, snapper, prawns and lobster. |
SA Drought Hub | Action: Deliver programs to build resilience in South Australian primary industries through the SA Drought Hub | Programs to increase grower uptake of agronomic practices that improve dryland crop establishment and soil water retention on the Eyre Peninsula were commenced. |
Sterile Insect Technology | Action: Further explore the use of Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) for animal and plant pests | SIT was used extensively in the eradication of Medfly outbreaks in Adelaide and Queensland Fruit Fly in the Riverland. Expanding production capacity in the Port Augusta Queensland Fruit Fly rearing facility. A pilot project is underway to trial SIT to eradicate sheep blowfly on KI. Planning for an initial release of SIT blowflies was completed and procurement of a mobile production facility to be located on Kangaroo Island progressed. |
Fruit Fly Eradication Methodologies | Action: Investigate advanced methodologies for the eradication of fruit fly | A new suite of controls never used before in the SA Riverland were implemented including using three new attract and kill devices, implementing an area-wide rolling carpet approach to SIT release and deploying a new online portal to register growers to apply baits and traps on their own properties. Alternative fruit fly baits were tested. Initial results showed the baits to be effective in attracting and killing fruit fly. Further testing is underway. The feasibility of developing a dynamic modelling framework to support the SA fruit fly eradication response was investigated. |
Waite Plant-Based Food Incubator Laboratory | Action: Establish the Waite Plant-Based Food Incubator Laboratory | The Plant-based Food Incubator laboratory has been established on the Waite Campus. The facility is fully functional, with fit-for-purpose laboratory space and food processing equipment installed and operational. |
Fruit Fly Eradication | Action: Respond tofruit fly detections and implement eradication measures to maintain South Australia’s fruit fly free status | A new suite of controls as part of the Spring Operational Plan are being implemented to continue the eradication program in the Riverland. |
Emergency Response for Animal Disease Preparedness | Action: Partner with thepig industry to progress emergency animal disease preparedness projects | A survey was undertaken to identify the current level of on-farm biosecurity practices and preparedness across SA commercial pig farms. Respondents represented 76% of the South Australian sow herd and 23% of the national sow herd. Farm-specific feedback on farm biosecurity practices compared to enhanced biosecurity practices will be provided to all participants to guide them in addressing identified gaps. |
Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication | Action: Complete year 2 of the KI Feral Pig Eradication, including use of thermally assisted aerial detection | The KI feral pig eradication program has removed 859 feral pigs, and the program is on track to deliver eradication by June 2023. |
Biosecurity Act | Action: Undertake consultation on the proposed development of a future Biosecurity Act | Consultation planning occurred following analysis of technical directions paper feedback. |
Veterinary Practice Act 2003 | Action: Undertake consultation on amendments to the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 | Drafting instructions and consultation plan were developed following analysis of discussion paper feedback. |
Snail Eradication Campaign | Action: Commence a Caracolina lenticula snail eradication campaign on behalf of South Australia’s Grain Producers SA | Heat shed constructed and decontamination of equipment and machinery well-advanced. Snail and vegetation control ongoing. |
Commonwealth Government Regional Projects | Action: Finalise delivery of approved projects in the region as agreed with the Commonwealth Government | Projects were completed and the South Australian River Murray Sustainability Program was finalised. |
Farm Forestry | Action: Progress farm forestry arrangements in South Australia to expand commercial forestry resources and diversify farm incomes | PIRSA has engaged a project officer for a Farm-based Forestry project to prepare information and resources to assist landholders as well as oversee a grants program for landholders, industry and research. |
Forestry Research Activities | Action: Support forestry research activities via the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation – Mount Gambier Centre | Funded projects under the current National Institute for Forest Products Innovation model were completed. A new National Institute for Forest Products Innovation - Mount Gambier Committee, and the commencement of a new funding round for Research, Development and Extension projects was announced. |
Fire Detection Initiatives | Action: Progress advanced fire detection initiatives in collaboration with the forest industry | Works under the co-signed (Green Triangle Fire Alliance and ForestrySA) Advanced Fire Detection Action Plan progressed including maintenance on Mount Benson Fire Tower and further planned works for Penola North Fire Tower. The Government has committed $2 million to replace fire towers with new technologies such as camera technology for a landscape level fire detection program, while ensuring existing fire towers are serviceable during the transition. |
Monitoring Compliance | Action: Monitor compliance with contractual and lease requirements of the forward sale of the government’s Green Triangle plantation harvesting rights | Continued monitoring of OFO Plantations' compliance with its contract with the State Government. Annual Compliance Report received, assessed by PIRSA and verified by partner agencies. |
Regional Growth Funding | Action: Continue to support initiatives that enable regional industries, grow jobs, and strengthen regional communities through funding for regional growth | A number of projects have been approved through the Regional Growth Fund with over $10 million of funding committed. The 2022-23 Budget Statement states: The Regional Growth Fund continues to be supported in this budget with $15.0 million per annum allocated to foster economic development in our regions. |
Mobile Black Spot Funding | Action: Support improvements to mobile phone connectivity in regions through Mobile Black Spot funding | 34 of the 45 mobile black spot sites co-funded by the Government of South Australia through Rounds 4, 5 and 5A of the Commonwealth Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, as well as those directly negotiated with the telecommunications providers, have been completed. It is anticipated that the remaining sites will be delivered by June 2023. |
Regional Development Australia Support | Action: Support Regional Development Australia (RDA) associations to ensure delivery of their projects and programs that provide economic opportunities in regions | The RDAs continue to implement projects as per project plans and are providing quarterly investment pipeline reports to PIRSA. A new RDA Funding Agreement with the Government of South Australia has been finalised. This supports the 7 regionally based RDAs for the next 4 years (June 2022 - 2026). PIRSA partnered with the RDAs to deliver specific programs for regional workforce and regional leadership development under separate funding agreements. |
Regional Development Strategy | Action: Implement the Regional DevelopmentStrategy in partnership with the Regional Development Australia associations, agencies of SA Government and Local Government | Steering Committee monitored implementation against the 5 strategic pillars and received updates on key issues and opportunities across the regions. |
Corporate performance summary
Key actions for the Corporate Services division were detailed in the PIRSA Annual Operating Plan 2021–22. 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
| Program name | Performance |
|---|---|
| Aboriginal Fisheries Career Pathway Program | Five Aboriginal employees have successfully completed the program since its inception in 2016. The program provides an opportunity for Aboriginal people to be mentored, gain skills and qualifications necessary to be a Fisheries Officer, with two years’ on the job training before working in communities as Fisheries Officers. The program has been broadened to include two Traditional Fisheries Management roles. |
| Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy | The Aboriginal Employment strategy is currently under review. PIRSA is engaging with an Aboriginal owned entity to assist with developing a strategy/program which provides both attraction and retention opportunities for Aboriginal people. |
| Traineeship and Graduate Program | The Skilling SA program provided for the recruitment, employment and training of two new trainees and graduates across the South Australian Public Sector. While in place, PIRSA actively supported this program and has strategies in place to increase uptake across the workforce. |
Agency performance management and development systems
| Performance management and development system | Performance |
|---|---|
| Performance management and development is facilitated through PIRSA’s learning management system OurDevelopment. This system is utilised for all employees except casual and remote employees. | As at 30 June 2022, 95% of employees had utilised OurDevelopment (or an equivalent as below) during the 2021-22 financial year for performance development conversations. |
| Performance management and development for casuals and remote employees. | Performance management and development for casual employees (who do not have OurDevelopment accounts created) and employees in remote areas (who do not have regular computer access) is recorded on a hardcopy form and entered into PIRSA’s human resources information system, CHRIS21. |
Work health, safety and return to work programs
| Program name | Performance |
|---|---|
GovSAfety Implementation | PIRSA has successfully implemented the GovSAfety hazard and incident reporting system across the agency, with the system “going live” in May 2022. This system is designed to facilitate the reporting, investigation and review of work health safety incidents and hazards to ensure PIRSA remains compliant with WHS legislation and identifies, assesses, controls and reviews risk to provide a safe working environment. |
Work Health and Safety and Injury Management (WHS & IM) Strategy 2020-22 | Key Building Safety Excellence targets met
Claims determined within 10 days – actual: 83%, target: 80%, variance: -3% |
| Workplace injury claims | Current Year 2021–22 | Past year 2020–21 | % Change (+/–) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total new workplace injury claims | 6 | 8 | -25% |
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seriously injured workers* | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Significant injuries (where lost time exceeds a working week, expressed as frequency rate per 1000 FTE) | 0 | 2.35 | -100% |
*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)
| Work health and safety regulations | Current year 2021–22 | Past year 2020–21 | % Change (+/–) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of notifiable incidents (Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Part 3) | 0 | 3 | Undefined % |
| Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195) | 1 | 1 | 0% |
| Return to work costs** | Current year 2021–22 | Past year 2020–21 | % Change (+/–) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($) | $143,873.21 | $477,855.40 | -69.89 |
| Income support payments – gross ($) | $13,613.54 | $61,721.91 | -77.94 |
**before third party recovery
Data for previous years is available at: Work Health and Safety and Return to Work Performance Reporting Primary Industries and Regions SA - PIRSA WHS and Return to Work Performance 2021-22 - data.sa.gov.au
Executive employment in the agency
| Executive classification | Number of executives |
|---|---|
| EXEC0F | 1 |
| SAES1 | 16 |
| SAES2 | 3 |
Data for previous years is available at: Executive Employment Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
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 summary of the overall financial position of the agency. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2021-2022 are attached to this report.
| Statement of comprehensive income | 2021–22 Budget $000s | 2021–22 Actual $000s | Variation $000s | 2020–21 Actual $000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Income | 217 517 | 287 659 | 70 142 | 316 296 |
| Total Expenses | 274 073 | 282 708 | (8 635) | 252 372 |
| Net Result | (56 556) | 4 951 | 61 507 | 63 924 |
| Other comprehensive income | 0 | 5 066 | 5 066 | 4 810 |
| Total Comprehensive Result | (56 556) | 10 017 | 66 573 | 68 734 |
For the financial year ending 30 June 2022, the department’s total comprehensive result was a surplus of $10 million, which was $66.6 million higher than original budget. This mainly reflects additional income received from State and Commonwealth Governments for various grant and regional support programs and the timing of expenditure reprofiled into future years.
| Statement of financial position | 2021–22 Budget $000s | 2021–22 Actual $000s | Variation $000s | 2020–21 Actual $000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | 148 002 | 253 802 | 105 800 | 236 253 |
| Non-current assets | 164 996 | 181 519 | 16 523 | 178 761 |
| Total assets | 312 998 | 435 321 | 122 323 | 415 014 |
| Current liabilities | 48 481 | 70 588 | 22 107 | 54 099 |
| Non-current liabilities | 64 286 | 48 060 | (16 226) | 54 259 |
| Total liabilities | 112 767 | 118 648 | 5 881 | 108 358 |
| Net assets | 200 231 | 316 673 | 116 442 | 306 656 |
| Equity | 200 231 | 316 673 | 116 442 | 306 656 |
The department’s net assets at 30 June 2022 were $116.4 million higher than original budget, mainly due to an increase in cash deposit with the Treasurer caused by timing of expenditure.
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 | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| All consultancies below $10,000 each - combined | NIL | _ |
Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each
| Consultancies | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| McKinna Et Al | PIRSA Strategic Plan | $12,000.00 |
| BDO Advisory (SA) Pty Ltd | Review of PIRSA’s suite of policies, procedures, guidelines and standards (PPGS) | $35,344.12 |
| Total | $47,344.12 |
Data for previous years is available at: Consultants Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
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 | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| All contractors below $10,000 each - combined | Various | $3,391,555.82 |
Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each
| Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| A&K Rural Contractors Pty Ltd | Fencing services for Dog Fence rebuild | $222,365.98 |
| Achieve Ag Solutions | Tech Group workshops | $10,590.72 |
| Adelaide Hills Wine Region | Local Economic Recovery Program (LER) – Adelaide Hills Wine Region Business Resilience Building project | $80,063.00 |
| Agcommunicators Pty Ltd | GRDC Soil Acidity Study | $41,882.69 |
| Agcommunicators Pty Ltd | Turretfield Research Centre strategic plan | $13,500.00 |
| Agcommunicators Pty Ltd | Grain Legume production | $16,600.00 |
| Agcommunicators Pty Ltd | Grower Root Health workshops | $19,825.22 |
| Agcommunicators Pty Ltd | Predicta B accreditation workshops | $12,338.12 |
| Agricultural Consulting and Research Pty Ltd | Precision seeding and maintenance of field trials for GRDC funded project | $37,100.00 |
| Agricultural Consulting and Research Pty Ltd | Sowing and spraying services | $17,700.00 |
| Ag Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula | Grain Legume production | $27,000.00 |
| Agronomy Solutions Pty Ltd | Research consulting | $13,503.00 |
| Airbornelogic Pty Ltd | Improving Citrus Irrigation | $38,181.82 |
| Aither Pty Ltd | Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia | $13,500.00 |
| All Occasions Management | World Fisheries Congress | $97,269.31 |
| Alpha Group Consulting | Field inspections/audits | $15,628.80 |
| Alpha Group Consulting | Lucerne Seed Wasp project | $13,363.30 |
| Art of Staff Pty Ltd | Change management support | $10,260.00 |
| Arts SA – South Australian Museum | FRDC project – Common Dolphin Interaction | $40,000.00 |
| Asg Group Limited | Business analysis services | $19,800.00 |
| Attwood Enterprises Pty Ltd | Fencing services | $15,057.50 |
| Aus-Meat Limited | Food safety audits | $111,955.20 |
| Australian Fisheries | Vessels monitoring | $74,080.33 |
| Australian Wine Research Institute | Fermentation, filtration and bottling services | $22,500.00 |
| Balanced Habitats Pty Ltd | Kangaroo Island biodiversity services | $42,000.00 |
| Balco Australia Pty Ltd | Hay processing | $21,240.00 |
| Barossa Grape & Wine Association Inc | Stakeholder advisory services | $28,704.99 |
| BDO Advisory (SA) Pty Ltd | Economic analysis of aquaculture activities within SA | $39,578.18 |
| BDO Services Pty Ltd | Economic analysis of proposed feral deer control program | $21,030.00 |
| BDO Services Pty Ltd | Economic analysis of Red Meat and Wool Growth program | $27,090.00 |
| BDO Services Pty Ltd | Economic analysis of the South Australian kangaroo industry | $26,075.00 |
| Biodiscovery LLC | Custom DNA sequencing | $36,714.76 |
| Biz Hub Australia Pty Ltd | Food Safety Program integration | $41,549.40 |
| Biz Hub Australia Pty Ltd | RUFIS support and maintenance | $33,376.52 |
| BW & DL Zilm | Harvest and cartage services | $42,348.00 |
| Chamonix It Management | IT maintenance and support services | $240,038.50 |
| Charles Sturt University | Research services | $92,000.00 |
| CL Advisory Pty Ltd | SafeFish Risk Register project | $38,004.48 |
| Cleanaway Pty Ltd | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $183,116.77 |
| Climate Friendly Pty Ltd | Carbon assessment of SA plantation forest estate | $15,000.00 |
| COTL Pty Ltd | Live tracking crop development | $31,000.00 |
| Crossling Contractors Pty Ltd | Carting and spreading lime and gypsum | $21,147.38 |
| CSIRO Accounts Receivable | Fish management services | $82,680.00 |
| David Oag | Pastoral lease assessments | $22,140.00 |
| Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu | ICT Transformation and Business Improvement Project services | $139,973.05 |
| Department for Infrastructure and Transport | West Beach facilities upgrade | $3,166,677.00 |
| Department of Agriculture and Fisheries | Research services | $97,000.00 |
| Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | Kangaroo Island biosecurity measures | $20,000.00 |
| Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions | Pasture Genebank research | $74,599.04 |
| Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions | Barley pathogen surveys | $32,343.00 |
| Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA | Pasture Genebank research | $84,000.00 |
| Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA | Barley Pathogen surveys | $14,934.00 |
| Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA | Phenology services | $59,794.00 |
| Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA | National feral deer coordination | $31,818.18 |
| Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment | Crop inspections | $11,447.50 |
| Department of Regional NSW | Barley pathogen surveys | $22,782.00 |
| Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd | Genetics analysis | $34,050.00 |
| D R Hamilton | Health 4 Wealth pilot trials | $81,845.08 |
| End2end Consulting Pty Ltd | Project management services | $90,020.00 |
| Enviro Solutions SA | Weed management | $96,422.82 |
| Environmental & Science Media | Enhanced Abattoir Surveillance video project | $15,017.00 |
| Epag Research Trust | Grain Legume production | $62,727.27 |
| Ernst & Young | Development of the KPI framework and divisional plan template | $29,540.00 |
| Escient Pty Ltd | Website redevelopment | $52,650.00 |
| Expose Data Pty Ltd | Catch & Effort Risk Management project | $42,405.00 |
| F J Turner | Saltland Genie web development | $10,000.00 |
| Feeding the Future Consulting & Research | Dryland Legume Pasture Systems Grower survey | $48,120.00 |
| Fishwell Consulting Pty Ltd | Marine Scalefish Fishery Reform | $32,500.00 |
| Flinders University | Juvenile snapper sampling | $25,000.00 |
| Foundation for Arable Research Australia | Grain Legume production | $52,500.00 |
| Frank Siow Management Pty Ltd | Traffic management plan | $10,327.50 |
| Freshagenda Pty Ltd | Red Meat and Wool business case | $20,000.00 |
| Frontier Farming Systems Pty Ltd | Wheat trials | $39,112.07 |
| Frontier Farming Systems Pty Ltd | Grain Legume production | $135,000.00 |
| Frontier Farming Systems Pty Ltd | Rural research and development pasture project | $117,500.00 |
| Frontier Farming Systems Pty Ltd | Nitrogen fixation program | $13,000.00 |
| Frontier Farming Systems Pty Ltd | Dryland Legume Pasture Systems project | $32,500.00 |
| Future Fisheries Veterinary Services Pty Ltd | Veterinary services | $20,000.00 |
| G O Shelving | LOGIX Longspan shelving | $18,002.00 |
| G3 International Pty Ltd | Real time remote monitoring of quarantine bins | $65,000.00 |
| Galpins | Development of contract management framework | $10,947.00 |
| Galpins | Internal audit services | $24,560.00 |
| GD & P Zilm | Mowing, raking and baling services | $25,530.00 |
| Geoff Kuehne | Social research | $45,000.00 |
| Gibbs Fencing | Fencing services | $27,118.68 |
| Governance By Design | Governance and culture review | $29,981.00 |
| Greenway Architects SA Pty Ltd | KI Blowfly Rearing facility | $73,607.73 |
| Gulf St. Vincent Prawn Boat Owners | Fishery survey | $65,000.00 |
| Gum Creek Station Pty Ltd | Bait supply | $11,775.00 |
| Harrold’s Stockhandling Services | Sheep handling services | $12,430.00 |
| Hart Field – Site Group Inc | Agronomy services | $29,498.18 |
| Hart Field – Site Group Inc | Epidemiology services | $16,538.00 |
| Heli Surveys Pty Ltd | Thermally assisted aerial culling of feral deer | $163,932.76 |
| Heli Surveys Pty Ltd | Aerial survey and analysis of Kangaroo Island Bluegums | $49,707.00 |
| Heydar Van Veen | Snapper sampling services | $10,500.00 |
| Horizon State Pty Ltd | Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council election | $22,500.00 |
| Hydraco Australia Pty Ltd | Ag Tech Program | $64,203.67 |
| In Fusion Consulting | Lower Murray Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Plan | $24,000.00 |
| Innovation Pro Pty Ltd | PIRSA Emergency Management Plan | $30,000.00 |
| Innovative Influences | Kangaroo Island Farm Business Management Project | $114,030.00 |
| Inside Infrastructure Pty Ltd | Clare Valley Water Strategic Supply Availability Review | $53,820.00 |
| Insync Solutions Pty Ltd | IDM Enhancements | $39,300.00 |
| Integrity Ag And Environment | Regenerate layer hen ranges project | $40,284.50 |
| J Diversity Pty Ltd | Literature reviews | $85,000.00 |
| JE Hood | Fencing services | $10,416.00 |
| JJ Remote Area Contracting Pty Ltd | Pederka Track | $25,831.09 |
| J T Agri-Source Pty Ltd | SA Livestock forums | $13,574.48 |
| JTWO Solutions Pty Ltd | Cloudstep planning | $24,000.00 |
| Kangaroo Falls Apiary | Weed management | $10,200.00 |
| Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd | Clare Valley Water project | $100,000.00 |
| Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd | Barossa New Water project | $1,580,000.00 |
| Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd | Eden Valley Tech Investigation | $325,000.00 |
| Kesab Environmental Solutions | Community and schools engagement sessions on fruit fly messaging | $17,551.00 |
| Lake Everard Pty Ltd | Grader/loader and driver works | $19,250.00 |
| Limestone Coast Earthmovers | Rock ripping | $15,360.00 |
| Loma Cameron Family Trust | Literature search and reporting | $32,256.00 |
| M & S Food Consultants Pty Ltd | Meat hygiene assessment project | $111,000.00 |
| M & S Food Consultants Pty Ltd | Australian Meat Processor Corporation Water Re-Use project | $71,000.00 |
| M & S Food Consultants Pty Ltd | Big River Pork shelf life assessment project | $31,250.00 |
| Mac Shearing Pty Ltd | Shearing services | $90,258.00 |
| Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | Grain Legume production | $68,250.00 |
| Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | Dryland Legume Pasture Systems project | $132,000.00 |
| Millicent/Kingston Veterinary Clinic | Red Meat and Wool Livestock forums | $10,681.82 |
| MK Samsonenko & TW Trewartha | Preparatory earthworks for Dog Fence rebuild | $37,789.09 |
| MT & LP Collins | Silage services | $21,719.00 |
| Murdup Wines Pty Ltd | Rock crushing | $12,438.30 |
| Murray Cod Australia Limited | Fish stocking | $49,954.55 |
| Newday Farming Pty Ltd | Wild dog trapping services | $83,850.00 |
| Northern Vermin Services | Supply of feral deer | $10,000.00 |
| Objective Corporation Ltd | Certificate renewals | $10,875.00 |
| Oracle Customer Management | Web development | $54,441.20 |
| Paxon Consulting Group Trust | Barossa New Water project | $21,960.00 |
| Petaurus Education Group | Feral Deer awareness program | $22,000.00 |
| Phuong Le | Family and business support services | $11,995.00 |
| Port Augusta Steel Centre Pty Ltd | Bait drying trolleys | $33,672.73 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting Pty Ltd | Development of the regional housing and accommodation placemat | $10,130.00 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting Pty Ltd | Digital Connectivity Strategy project | $116,305.00 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting Pty Ltd | Aboriginal economic strategies | $70,900.00 |
| Proadvice Pty Ltd | Farm Agtech Adoption plans | $173,210.31 |
| RA Irlam Shearing Contractor | Shearing services | $50,229.89 |
| Rawtec Pty Ltd | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $11,585.00 |
| Rebecca Lang Consulting | Facilitation of Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program After Action Review | $22,000.00 |
| Regari Pty Ltd | Hay baling services | $28,397.00 |
| Remondis Australia Pty Ltd | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $13,654.80 |
| Remote Enterprises Pty Ltd | Wild dog trapping services | $35,250.00 |
| Rider Levett Bucknall SA Pty Ltd | KI Blowfly Rearing facility | $22,665.00 |
| Riverland Vine Improvement | Supply of Cabernet Sauvignon vines | $12,125.00 |
| Robert Keer Lewis | Research support | $45,000.00 |
| S G Heilbron Pty Ltd | Economic analysis and cost recovery business case | $52,000.00 |
| SA Blue Crab Pot Fishers Association | Survey boat hire | $34,000.00 |
| SA Outback Company Pty Ltd | Fencing services for Dog Fence rebuild | $1,331,271.89 |
| SciOT | Saturn Surveillance Systems project | $78,825.00 |
| Secureware Pty Ltd | Splunk assistance | $18,000.00 |
| Silvercity Drilling | Lens Snail response | $299,534.45 |
| Sooty Black Transport Pty Ltd | Fencing services for Dog Fence rebuild | $453,221.17 |
| South Australian Growers Ltd | AusVeg SA Clean Your Farm project | $12,000.00 |
| Spencer Gulf & West Coast Prawn Fisherman’s Association Inc | Research in Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery | $168,000.00 |
| Statistical Process Improvement Consulting & Training Pty Ltd | Meat hygiene assessment project | $84,261.36 |
| Statistical Process Improvement Consulting & Training Pty Ltd | Big River Pork shelf life assessment project | $16,625.00 |
| Stonewell Contracting Pty Ltd | Grape harvesting and cartage services | $13,848.27 |
| Suez Recycling & Recovery | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $50,083.80 |
| Sustainable Solutions | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $116,716.10 |
| Swood Financial Solutions Pty Ltd | PlanetPress Suite cross grade to PlanetPress Connect | $11,176.50 |
| Talking Livestock | Livestock forums | $11,666.79 |
| Think Digital Studios Pty Ltd | Ag Tech Virtual tours | $13,500.00 |
| Thomas Finlay | Trapping services | $10,500.00 |
| Thriving People Consulting Pty Ltd | Change management support | $70,300.00 |
| Trengove Consulting Trust | Soil Acidity Study project | $25,900.00 |
| Trengove Consulting Trust | Grain Legume Production | $75,000.00 |
| Trent Crisp | Wild dog trapping services | $11,250.00 |
| Tuilkilkey Enterprises | Dog Fence Rebuild | $11,077.88 |
| University of Adelaide | Research services | $1,024,905.61 |
| University of Canberra | Social analysis of South Australia's Marine Scalefish Fishery | $47,273.00 |
| University of Melbourne | Fruit fly modelling | $33,600.46 |
| University of New South Wales | Image analysis system | $28,410.91 |
| University of Queensland | CRISPR genome editing analysis | $148,320.00 |
| University of Tasmania | Pasture Genebank research | $22,000.00 |
| University of Western Australian | Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Project | $30,000.00 |
| Upper North Farming Systems | Epidemiology services | $13,700.00 |
| URPS | PIRSA Boundary realignment | $18,550.00 |
| Waste Away SA Pty Ltd | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $696,686.33 |
| Watergum Community Inc | Professional shooting services | $16,850.00 |
| WG & KJ Matthews Family Trust | Fruit fly release | $668,775.02 |
| Wildpest Management Pty Ltd | Trapping services | $11,425.00 |
| YCA Recycling Pty Ltd | Northern Plains hailstorm recovery clean up | $24,167.60 |
| Zimmerman Fisheries | Snapper processing | $10,754.25 |
| Total | $17,470,970.65 |
Data for previous years is available at: Contractors Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
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
There was one instance of alleged fraud reported at PIRSA during the 2021-22 reporting year.
| Category/nature of fraud | Number of instances |
|---|---|
| Alleged misappropriation of funds within one of the industry funding schemes | 1 |
NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.
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: Fraud Detection Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
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 occurrences within the reporting period.
Data for previous years is available at: Public Interest Disclosure Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
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
| Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nil | Nil |
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
| Complaint categories | Sub-categories | Example | Number of complaints 2021–22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional behaviour | Staff attitude | Failure to demonstrate values such as empathy, respect, fairness, courtesy, extra mile; cultural competency | 8 |
| Professional behaviour | Staff competency | Failure to action service request; poorly informed decisions; incorrect or incomplete service provided | 4 |
| Professional behaviour | Staff knowledge | Lack of service specific knowledge; incomplete or out-of-date knowledge | 0 |
| Communication | Communication quality | Inadequate, delayed or absent communication with customer | 3 |
| Communication | Confidentiality | Customer’s confidentiality or privacy not respected; information shared incorrectly | 0 |
| Service delivery | Systems/technology | System offline; inaccessible to customer; incorrect result/information provided; poor system design | 0 |
| Service delivery | Access to services | Service difficult to find; location poor; facilities/ environment poor standard; not accessible to customers with disabilities | 1 |
| Service delivery | Process | Processing error; incorrect process used; delay in processing application; process not customer responsive | 76 |
| Policy | Policy application | Incorrect policy interpretation; incorrect policy applied; conflicting policy advice given | 0 |
| Policy | Policy content | Policy content difficult to understand; policy unreasonable or disadvantages customer | 1 |
| Service quality | Information | Incorrect, incomplete, out dated or inadequate information; not fit for purpose | 1 |
| Service quality | Access to information | Information difficult to understand, hard to find or difficult to use; not plain English | 2 |
| Service quality | Timeliness | Lack of staff punctuality; excessive waiting times (outside of service standard); timelines not met | 0 |
| Service quality | Safety | Maintenance; personal or family safety; duty of care not shown; poor security service/ premises; poor cleanliness | 6 |
| Service quality | Service responsiveness | Service design doesn’t meet customer needs; poor service fit with customer expectations | 1 |
| No case to answer | No case to answer | Third party; customer misunderstanding; redirected to another agency; insufficient information to investigate | 0 |
| Total | 103 |
| Additional metrics | Total |
|---|---|
| Number of positive feedback comments | 52 |
| Number of negative feedback comments | 103 |
| Total number of feedback comments | 155 |
| % complaints resolved within policy timeframes | 92% |
Data for previous years is available at: Public Complaints Reporting Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Service improvements
In November 2021, an internal audit report of handling of customer complaints was presented to Executive. Areas for improvement were identified and are currently being implemented. Improvements include the updating of the agency’s complaints management policy and procedure, updating the agency’s management of customer complaints and improved reporting to ensure complaints are handled in a consistent manner across all Divisions, as well as providing training for divisional coordinators.
PIRSA’s responsibility for managing emergency responses to plant pests and animal diseases has previously been the subject of a number of public complaints given the intimate interaction responders have with members of the public, for example during fruit fly responses. The fruit fly response has focused on training staff to manage public concerns in the field and then responding quickly to any complaints that are lodged through agreed chains of responsibility. This has seen a reduction in the number of complaints made and timely follow up for those that are lodged. This model provides a template for future emergency responses managed by PIRSA.
Compliance statement
| PIRSA is compliant with Premier and Cabinet Circular 039 – complaint management in the South Australian public sector | Y |
| PIRSA has communicated the content of PC 039 and the agency’s related complaints policies and procedures to employees. | Y |