Defence SA Annual Report 2023 – 24

Defence SA Annual Report 2023 – 242024-12-02T09:21:29+10:30

ISSN: 1836-1838
Date presented to Minister: 27 September 2024


To:

Hon Stephen Mullighan MP
Treasurer
Minister for Defence and Space Industries

This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 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 Defence SA by:

Matt Opie
Chief Executive


From the Chief Executive

I am honoured to introduce the 2023-24 Annual Report for Defence SA, having commenced my role as Chief Executive in April 2024. My focus remains steadfast in continuing the exceptional work of our department, ensuring we meet and exceed our strategic objectives.

We are on the brink of a once-in-a-generation opportunity with AUKUS. This tri-lateral security partnership, along with numerous other opportunities identified in the Defence Strategic Review, National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, positions South Australia at the forefront of global defence innovation.

Our work at Defence SA is aligned with the South Australian Economic Statement, particularly in areas such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and workforce development.

Over the past year, we have engaged with industry to maximise their participation in global supply chains for key defence projects, particularly under AUKUS priority areas. There are already many examples of local defence companies successfully joining the global supply chain, especially with partners in the US and UK.

Beyond shipbuilding, we are exploring opportunities in the land and air domains, cyber, space, information warfare, and artificial intelligence.

We continue to work closely with other state government agencies in AUKUS, workforce development and trade and investment with the common aim of developing the defence and space sectors in South Australia.

Workforce development remains both a challenge and an opportunity for our state and our industry. Defence SA’s commitment to workforce development is evident through our support of the Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report and Action Plan and its 22 targeted initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s defence industry workforce capabilities.

A highlight this year was our record attendance at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, with over 80 South Australian companies showcasing their capabilities. Additionally, we made substantial progress on the 737 Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, with construction commencing in August 2024.

In research and development, the Defence Innovation Partnership funded Round 7 of the Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) and awarded $1.6 million under the new Activator Fund.

The South Australian Space Industry Centre continued to support the development of sovereign space capability and the growth of our space ecosystem and supported South Australian space innovation via the South Australian Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund.

A standout achievement is the launch of Kanyini, a $6.5 million wholly state-built and owned satellite. We eagerly anticipate the data it will provide for various projects in the coming year.

As we look ahead, we will be releasing an updated defence and space strategy, which will detail our priorities across land, sea, air, space and advanced systems in greater depth.

We have continued to support our veteran community via the many programs offered by Veterans SA.

I am confident that Defence SA will continue to drive innovation and excellence in the defence and space sectors, contributing significantly to South Australia’s economic growth and national security.

Matt Opie
Chief Executive
Defence SA


Contents

Overview: about the agency. 7

Our strategic focus. 7

Our organisational structure. 9

Changes to the agency. 9

Our Minister 9

Our Executive team.. 9

Legislation administered by the agency. 10

Other related agencies (within the Minister’s area/s of responsibility) 10

The agency’s performance. 10

Performance at a glance. 10

Agency specific objectives and performance. 12

Corporate performance summary. 26

Employment opportunity programs. 26

Agency performance management and development systems. 27

Work health, safety and return to work programs. 27

Executive employment in the agency. 29

Financial performance. 29

Financial performance at a glance. 29

Consultants disclosure. 30

Contractors disclosure. 30

Other financial information. 32

Risk management 32

Risk and audit at a glance. 32

Fraud detected in the agency. 32

Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud. 32

Public interest disclosure. 33

Reporting required under any other act or regulation. 33

Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005. 33

Public complaints. 33

Number of public complaints reported. 33

Additional Metrics. 35

Service Improvements. 35

Compliance Statement 35

Appendix: Audited financial statements 2022-23. 36


Overview: about the agency

Our strategic focus

Purpose:

Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence related matters and is the single point of contact for defence stakeholders, streamlining their interaction across the South Australian Government. The agency captures valuable investment opportunities in the naval, land and air domains as well as defence science and research, cyber, information warfare and space.

The Defence SA Advisory Board provides strategic advice to promote the growth of defence industry in South Australia and plays a key role in guiding the state’s defence strategy.

Defence SA includes the Defence Innovation Partnership, South Australian Space Industry Centre, and Veterans SA.

(note: Veterans SA annual activities will be presented in a separate Annual Report to be submitted to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs for tabling in the Parliament of South Australia and will therefore not be detailed in this report)

Defence Innovation Partnership – fosters collaboration and engagement between government, universities, research organisations and industry. The Defence Innovation Partnership delivers innovative solutions to Defence by creating connections between researchers, industry and Defence; building and supporting defence-relevant research collaborations through the Collaborative Research Fund; attracting research and development funding to South Australia; and supporting the translation of defence and national security research and development.

South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) – provides a whole-of-state government focal point for local industry and international companies and organisations to drive space industry innovation, research and entrepreneurial development and growth.

Vision:

Defence SA By 2030 South Australia will be recognised as an international leader in the defence and space industries by building on its highly skilled workforce, world-leading technology and infrastructure and culture of innovation driven by focused research and development.
Defence Innovation Partnership A trusted, forward-thinking, and sustainable defence-relevant research, development and innovation ecosystem, supporting Australia’s defence and national security needs.
SASIC A thriving and enduring South Australian space ecosystem, supporting Australia’s national space strategy.

Mission/Values:

Defence SA To establish and maintain a competitive business environment which drives economic prosperity in the South Australian defence sector.
Defence Innovation Partnership Develop and promote a trusted and recognised defence research and development ecosystem that grows industry and delivers defence capability.
SASIC To grow a thriving and enduring South Australian space sector, in partnership with industry.

Our functions, objectives and deliverables:

Defence SA
  • Implementation of the Defence State Strategy 2030.
  • Maximising business opportunities by informing policy, connecting industry to global supply chains and attracting investment.
  • Stimulating business capability by aligning local research and development, infrastructure and regulation with industry needs.
  • Building business capacity by working to attract and retain talent in the state.
Defence Innovation Partnership Stimulating business capability by aligning research and development, infrastructure and regulation with industry needs, and developing collaboration between industry, researchers and defence in support of the Defence State Strategy 2030.
SASIC Implementation of the Space Strategy, by cultivating South Australia as a centre of gravity for space activities, including:

  • Building a capable workforce
  • Creating an innovating ecosystem
  • Establishing supportive infrastructure
  • Being globally competitive
  • Attracting investment

Our organisational structure

Changes to the agency

During 2023-24 the only change to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal review was that the government relations function moved into the Marketing, Events and Communications portfolio. There were no machinery of government changes.

The previous Chief Executive, Richard Price completed his tenure in December 2023. After an international recruitment process, the new Chief Executive, Matt Opie commenced in April 2024.

Our Minister

The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP is the Treasurer and Minister for Defence and Space Industries.

The Minister oversees:

  • Defence Industry Development
  • Defence Innovation Partnership
  • South Australian Space Industry Centre

Our Executive team

As at 30 June 2024, Defence SA’s Executive team comprised:

  • Matt Opie, Chief Executive: Defence SA, South Australian Space Industry Centre and Veterans SAMatt is responsible for providing executive and strategic leadership to Defence SA, the South Australian Space Industry Centre, the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA. The Chief Executive is responsible for the attraction, development and growth of sustainable industry business initiatives to establish a long-term viable Defence presence and promote defence and space industries in South Australia.
  • Reg Carruthers, Executive Director, Defence and Space (departed agency 26 July 2024)
    Reg was responsible for initiatives to support and grow the defence and space industries in South Australia.
  • Sumen Rai, Director Defence Innovation Partnership
    Sumen is responsible for leading the Defence Innovation Partnership team, which builds and supports collaborative defence-relevant research and development in South Australia.
  • Jessica Hernandez, Director Marketing and Communications
    Jessica is responsible for the oversight and management of all marketing and communications activities for Defence SA, including events and tradeshows, media and government relations.
  • Ilona Horan, Director Corporate Services and Director Land
    Ilona oversees the agency’s entire corporate services functions, including the management of human resources, WHS, procurement and contracting, while also supporting the land (or Army) industry sector initiatives within South Australia.
  • Peter Murdock, Director, Finance and Systems
    Peter is responsible for overseeing the agency’s financial resources, including budget planning, finance management and legislative reporting and the agency’s cyber security program.

The Defence SA Executive Team also includes Director, Veterans SA who reports via the CE to the Minster for Veterans’ Affairs.

Legislation administered by the agency

Defence SA does not administer any legislation.

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

Department of Treasury and Finance.


The agency’s performance

Performance at a glance

Defence SA’s achievements and performance are best measured by the health of the defence and space sectors in South Australia and the brand of ‘Defence SA’ in South Australia, Australia and internationally.

Agency specific objectives and performance

The defence and space industries are a key contributor to South Australia’s economic prosperity.

AUKUS

  • Worked closely with the Office for AUKUS, other South Australian Government agencies, Australian Submarine Agency and Department of Defence to support delivery of South Australia’s contribution to the AUKUS partnership.
  • Developed AUKUS Pillar I industry strategies for the nuclear-powered submarine program.
  • Directly supported South Australian defence industry entry into the supply chain for Virginia class submarines through targeted engagement with key US primes.
  • Developed further opportunities for South Australia following the release of the Defence Strategic Review and across AUKUS Pillar II.

Defence and Industry

  • Developed opportunities for South Australian industry on the Hunter class frigate program, Collins class life-of-type extension and Hobart class destroyer upgrades.
  • Facilitated the establishment of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 737 Aircraft Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility adjacent RAAF Base Edinburgh with an agreement signed between the South Australian Government and Department of Defence.
  • Supported the establishment of land domain companies in South Australia in support of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
  • Increased industry participation in, and attendance at, international tradeshows and domestic defence events that support South Australian defence and space industry and research collaboration opportunities.

Workforce and Skills

  • Supported the completion of the South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report and Action Plan.
  • Supported 37 students to undertake their defence industry placements under the South Australian Defence Industry Scholarship Program, with 16 South Australian defence industry companies registered to accept placements.
  • Maintained full occupancy of the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen comprising emerging South Australian companies, and those planning to establish a larger presence in the state.

Research, Development and Innovation

  • Launched the $4.8 million Activator Fund to support larger-scale research and development activity and capability in South Australia, in close collaboration with the Department of Defence to align with defence innovation, science and technology priorities.
  • Awarded $1.6 million from the Activator Fund to South Australian company Acacia Systems to undertake a collaborative project with industry, university and Defence partners, Enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s Undersea Surveillance Minimum Viable Capability.
  • Funded six new Collaborative Research Fund projects under round seven, leveraging $1.65 million in contributions from universities, industry and the Department of Defence.

Space

  • Successfully progressed South Australia’s state satellite, Kanyini through testing with launch occurring in mid-2024.
  • Progressed plans for the $20 million Space Assembly Integration and Test Facility at Lot Fourteen.
  • Supported the successful establishment of the $90 million Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space at the University of Adelaide.
  • Created a new industry focused grant fund, the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund to grow local space capability through international collaboration.
  • Supported the development of a workforce talent pipeline across defence, cyber and space through university initiatives including new educational offerings, hackathons and the Australian Rover Challenge.
  • Increased rural, regional and public engagement in STEM through support of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Hamilton Secondary College Space Academy and planetarium.
  • Funded the 2023 and 2024 Venture Catalyst Space Program, a globally recognised program dedicated to supporting startup founders to develop innovative, disruptive businesses in the international space sector.

Stakeholder Engagement 

  • Supported industry organisations such as the Defence Teaming Centre and the Andy Thomas Space Foundation who in turn support development of industry and skills in their respective sectors.
  • Engaged with hundreds of South Australian defence and space companies; and local, state and federal governments maintaining South Australia as The Defence State.
  • Maintained strong relationships with the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to better understand user needs and requirements to inform South Australian Defence Sector strategy development.
  • Maintained strong relationships with the Australian Space Agency, the SmartSatCRC and Defence Space Command to better understand user needs and requirements to inform South Australian Space Sector strategy development.

Agency specific objectives and performance

Defence SA:

Agency objectives Indicators Performance
Maximising business opportunities by informing policy, connecting industry to global supply chains and attracting investment. Local industry participation in global supply chain for major defence projects, particularly in line with AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II.

Local industry undertakes independent and global supply chain export opportunities.

In November 2023 Defence SA hosted the largest ever delegation of more than 80 South Australian defence industry companies at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exhibition, providing opportunities for international engagement and networking for AUKUS and other shipbuilding programs.

In September 2023, Defence SA supported a delegation of 26 South Australian industry and research institutes to attend the DSEI conference in London, supporting opportunities for industry in the Hunter supply chain and research capabilities under AUKUS Pillar II.

In April 2024 Defence SA led a delegation of South Australian industry and research institutes to attend Sea Air Space in Washington DC, followed by an industry trade mission to support US supply chain engagement opportunities.

Defence or space industry companies utilised the Defence and Space Landing Pad to establish a larger footprint in South Australia. In 2023-24, full occupancy of the Defence and Space Landing Pad was maintained while three large Defence primes utilised space as a preliminary location in South Australia.
Stimulating business capability by aligning local research and development, infrastructure and regulation with industry needs. 737 Deep Maintenance and Modification facility development. The contract was signed for the design and construction of the new 737 Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility north of RAAF Edinburgh. Construction commenced in August 2024 as part of a partnership between the South Australian Government and the Department of Defence.
South Australia as a centre for information warfare. Establish a sustainable information warfare supply chain through maximising local industry participation, independent exports and global supply chain opportunities. The portfolio of Information Warfare has been expanded to include: Information Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber, Combat Systems Integration, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and AUKUS Pillar II technologies.
Uplift cyber capability of South Australian industry to increase readiness for participation in global supply chains. Supported the inaugural Australian Space Cyber Forum in Adelaide in October 2023 and second forum in June 2024.

Supported and participated in international NATO cyber defence exercise Locked Shields at the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.

Building business capacity by working to attract and retain talent in the state. Support the South Australian Workforce and Skills Taskforce, including the delivery of the agency’s allocated initiative Strategic Communications and Outreach Plan. Defence SA is responsible for the delivery of the Strategic Communications and Outreach Plan. Following research and consultation with industry and academia, Defence SA developed the narrative which will shape the careers showcase and other outreach opportunities under the Find Your Place campaign.
Deliver Defence Industry Scholarship Program through Ai Group. Defence SA supported 37 students to complete their placements with defence industry in 2023-24.
Careers and employment expo attendance. In November 2023, Defence SA supported the Navy and Shipbuilding Careers Expo at Flinders Ports, a partnership of the South Australian Government and the Royal Australian Navy, with 4,400 registered attendees. The event provided an opportunity to explore careers in the shipbuilding industry.

Defence SA also attended The Big Meet Expo in March 2024 and Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo in May 2024.

Maintain / enhance South Australia’s reputation as the Defence State Major event average exhibitor satisfaction rating of no lower than 80%. Obtained an exhibitor satisfaction rating of 96.7% for the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition.
Deliver monthly agency e-newsletters for all portfolios achieving average government benchmark engagement rates (open rate 28.77 and click rate 3.99%).

Monthly e-newsletters were successfully delivered across all portfolios.

Average open rate: 37.38

Average click rate: 5.38%

Deliver South Australia the Defence State campaign. Defence SA ran a ‘South Australia – the Defence State’ advertising campaign for an eight-month period of November 2023 – June 2024; successfully achieving all communications objectives.

The campaign sought to promote South Australia as the Defence State, encourage audiences to learn more about South Australia’s advantages and opportunities in the defence sector.

Conduct industry stakeholder survey A web-based survey was conducted with 93 responses received. Of the survey participants, 75% are familiar with the South Australian Government’s Defence Sector Strategy; 80% recall seeing the South Australia The Defence State advertising in the last 12 months; 72% consider South Australia to be the Defence State; 28% have won a contract/new business/expanded their network through the work of Defence SA.

Defence Innovation Partnership:

Agency objectives Indicators Performance
Stimulating business capability by aligning local research and development, infrastructure, and regulation with industry needs. Facilitate and support new defence-relevant research and development collaborations in South Australia. Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP) Collaborative Research Fund – Round 7 awarded approximately $900,000 to six collaborative R&D projects involving South Australian university researchers, DSTG, and defence industry.

The first round of the Activator Fund provided $1.6 million to a South Australian defence SME to undertake a $4.9 million collaborative project in undersea surveillance, in partnership with South Australian universities, DSTG, and Defence Prime companies.

Increase the number of researchers and industry in South Australia involved in defence-relevant research and development. DIP provided advice to potential Activator Fund and Collaborative Research Fund researchers and made introductions for researchers into DSTG, other parts of Defence and defence industry.

An increase in the number of researchers approaching the DIP regarding funding programs occurred as a result of direct referrals from past applicants.

In collaboration with SASIC, delivered the first round of the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund.

Cross sectoral engagement through briefings with Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement (SABRE), MTP Connect, Venture Catalyst Space start-ups and Stone & Chalk start-ups.

Promote South Australia’s R&D credentials through advocacy and stories of defence-relevant research collaboration. DIP exhibited at Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition. Overseas representation at Defence events including: Sea Air Space (Washington, USA) and UDT (UK).

These events were opportunities to promote the capabilities of South Australian researchers and engage with national and international collaborators and funders.

Promoted capabilities and stories about researchers and projects through social media platforms Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The audience for these accounts collectively grew by 23.84% to a total of 5,225 in 2023-24.

Build scale in South Australia’s defence R&D capabilities. DIP fostered transdisciplinary collaborations through the Convergence Series, hosting sector discussions and debate on emerging technologies and themes.

Engaged with researchers and organisations from the US and UK around potential joint projects focused on AUKUS Pillar II technologies.

Support a defence R&D workforce through advice and support for early and mid-career researchers and industry professionals. Hosted a DSTG NAVIGATE Program researcher (mid-career) for six months as part of the program’s placement requirement.

SASIC:

Agency objectives Indicators Performance

Maximising business opportunities by connecting industry to global supply chains and attracting investment.

Support investment in local procurement to prioritise local space companies; creating space-flight heritage and increasing international competitiveness of South Australian industry. In a national first, successfully progressed South Australia’s state owned and manufactured satellite, Kanyini, through integration and testing, ready for launch which occurred in mid-2024.
Create a grant fund to support South Australian space industry to engage with international partners. Established and delivered a national first industry focused grant fund, the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund (SCIF) in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Partnership. Awarded two South Australian space companies $100,000 each to deliver an innovative space mission with an international partner.
Support the Andy Thomas Space Foundation in the delivery of the Australian Space Forum. In December 2023 the 16th Australian Space Forum was delivered, attracting over 600 attendees, including industry exhibition showcasing over 70 companies.
Attendance at key international events. Led a South Australian delegation to the 2024 Space Symposium in Colorado, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader for space within Australia. The mission supported industry to establish partnerships with US and other internationals in the defence / space / cyber ecosystem.
Simulating business capability by aligning local research and development, infrastructure and regulation with industry needs. Support development of local space manufacturing capability to drive collaboration between space manufacturers. Continued design and planning of the $20 million space assembly integration and testing facility at Lot Fourteen. The facility will provide industry with access to world-class equipment capable of small satellite and component manufacturing, assembly, integration and test activities.
Delivery of space technology innovation programs. SASIC is a key contributor to the GRAVITY Challenge; a space technology innovation program exploring new uses for space data and space capability managed by Deloitte Consulting.

In 2023-24 GRAVITY Challenge 06 and 07 were delivered.

Support Southern Launch through the major projects planning process to obtain approval for Whalers Way as an orbital launch site. SASIC continues to chair the South Australian Government Southern Launch Taskforce.

The taskforce is coordinating the approvals required for the first of type launch facility in South Australia.

The major development application was submitted and is currently under review.

Building business capacity by working to attract and retain talent in the state; building a talent pipeline to support sovereign capability

Support the University of South Australia ICC Venture Catalyst Space program delivery.

SASIC funded and supported delivery of the 2023 and 2024 Venture Catalyst Space Program, a globally recognised program dedicated to supporting startup founders to develop innovative, disruptive businesses in the international space sector.

Seven companies completed their six-month program in 2023-24 and a further four commenced the program (due to finish in November 2024).

The program has supported 40 space startups with over 90% of Venture Catalyst still operating as of June 2024. The Venture Catalyst Space program has provided $345,000 in direct funding to these space startups, and alumni have raised over $35.3 million in further funding.

Support the establishment of the $90 million Australian Research Council ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants4Space at the University of Adelaide. SASIC provided funding and in-kind support for P4S, including project collaboration with 38 entities across academic, private, government and technology spheres. P4S is working with NASA to support plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon.
Support the development of a workforce talent pipeline across defence, cyber and space. Sponsored and supported university initiatives including new educational offerings, hackathons and the delivery of the 2024 Australian Rover Challenge at the University of Adelaide.
Increased rural, regional, and public engagement in STEM.

Support the Andy Thomas Space Foundation to deliver student engagement activities.

In partnership with the Australian Space Agency, SASIC supported the delivery of the Kids in Space program. Seventy-one schools and 240 classes participated in the national program, including 13 schools from South Australia.
Hamilton College Space Academy and planetarium. Supported the Hamilton Secondary College Space Academy project and connection to SmartSat CRC, Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Plants4Space. The Space Academy empowers students to develop skills, knowledge and experience that will prepare them for further education. The new full dome planetarium will enable learning opportunities in space education for students.

Corporate performance summary

  • Continued to invest in cyber security initiatives to ensure we continue to evolve and increase the department’s cyber security resilience, posture, and preparedness for new and emerging cyber security threats.
  • Implemented ongoing improvements to recruitment and onboarding processes to streamline, simplify and reduce steps, improving both the candidate and hiring manager experience.
  • Continued to invest in individuals through tailored development opportunities, including employees participating in leadership development programs through the SA Leadership Academy, Governor’s Leadership Program and Defence Industry Study Course.
  • Ongoing engagement with State Records Council regarding streamlining of processes for Defence SA’s records disposal schedule and records management.
  • Responded to all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within the legislated timeframe.

Employment opportunity programs

Program name Performance
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internship Program. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internship Program was established to provide the opportunity for participants to gain experience in administration, office and work management through exposure to the defence and space sectors. This assists participants to pursue a career in the South Australian public sector while also providing a better understanding of the opportunities available in the defence and space sectors.

Defence SA had a participant for six months who worked with the Director Information Warfare to provide exposure to opportunities in cyber in the state. The most recent participant commenced in February 2024 and will remain with Defence SA for at least eight months. He has recently commenced a Degree in Economics and is working with Defence SA’s finance team.

Agency performance management and development systems

Performance management and development system Performance
Chief Executive Performance Agreement. The previous Chief Executive completed his tenure in December 2023.

The current Chief Executive has commenced the annual goals and objectives and performance agreement process.

Executive Staff Performance Management and Development System. All executive staff participate in an annual performance review process with key deliverables linked to the Chief Executive’s objectives as well as utilising the system to identify training and development opportunities. The performance review process involves a half-yearly review and an annual review. By 30 June 2024, 100% of executive staff had completed their half-yearly and annual review.
Non-Executive Staff Performance Management and Development System. All non-executive staff participate in an annual performance review process linked to training and development. This involves, a half-yearly review and an annual review. By 30 June 2024, 90% of non-executive staff had completed their half-yearly and annual review.

Work health, safety and return to work programs

Program name Performance
First Aid Defence SA has three First Aid Officers who have completed accredited training.
Mental Health First Aid

Defence SA has three Mental Health First Aid Officers who have completed accredited training. This complements the existing Employee Assistance Program. All staff attended training in November 2023 which focused on difficult conversations with customers.

All staff attended a workplace culture workshop facilitated by a workplace psychology consultant in June 2024.

Workplace injury claims 2023-24 2022-23 % Change
(+ / -)
Total new workplace injury claims 0 0 0%
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 0  0%

*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 2023-24 2022-23 % Change
(+ / -)
Number of notifiable incidents (Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Part 3) 0 0 0%
Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195) 0 0 0%

Return to work costs** 2023-24 2022-23 % Change
(+ / -)
Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($) 0 0 0%
Income support payments – gross ($) 0 0 0%

**before third party recovery

Data for previous years is available at: Work health and safety/return to work performance 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

Executive employment in the agency

Executive classification Number of executives
EXEC0F 1
SAES1 6

Data for previous years is available at: Executives 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

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 2023-24 are attached to this report.

Statement of Comprehensive Income 2023-24 Budget

$000s

2023-24 Actual

$000s

Variation

 

$000s

2022-23

Actual

$000s

Total Income $19,914 $18,614 $(1,300) $14,799
Total Expenses $21,744 $14,029 $7,715 $22,934
Net Result $(1,830) $4,585 $6,415 $(8,135)
Total Comprehensive Result $(1,830) $4,585 $6,415 $(8,135)
Statement of Financial Position 2023-24 Budget

$000s

2023-24 Actual

$000s

Variation

 

$000s

2022-23

Actual

$000s

Current assets $3,344 $15,332 $11,988 $9,744
Non-current assets $2,103 $2,182 $79 $2,371
Total assets $5,447 $17,514 $12,067 $12,115
Current liabilities $2,103 $2,909 $(806) $1,863
Non-current liabilities $2,123 $2,157 $(34) $2,389
Total liabilities $4,226 $5,066 $(840) $4,252
Net assets $1,221 $12,448 $11,227 $7,863
Equity $1,221 $12,448 $11,227 $7,863

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
$ NIL
Total $ NIL

Data for previous years is available at: Consultants 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

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 42,003.85

Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each

Contractors Purpose $ Actual payment
Ai Group Centre for Education Management of Defence Export Scholarships Program 45,000.00
Be Sustained Delivery of veterans mentoring program 50,500.00
Defence Teaming Centre Defence and Space Landing Pad concierge Service 43,038.57
GC Archival Consultants Archival services 14,487.50
Halcyon Knights Australia Temporary Staff 16,733.06
Haymakr Benchmarking research 11,000.00
Mews Partners Australia Satellite development 63,045.45
Rasu Film & Stills Creative services 18,300.00
Repat Foundation Workshop facilitation 20,000.00
SmartSat CRC Satellite development 1,336,450.00
Total 1,618,554.58

Data for previous years is available at: Contractors 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

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

Fraud detected in the agency

Category/nature of fraud Number of instances
N/A 0

NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.

Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud

All staff completed the SA Public Sector Code of Ethics refresher training during July 2023. Staff also undertook Fraud and Corruption Awareness training In May 2024.

Data for previous years is available at: Fraud Detection 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

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

Data for previous years is available at: Whistle-blower Disclosure 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

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

Defence SA is not required to report under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005.


Public complaints

Number of public complaints reported

Complaint categories Sub-categories Example Number of Complaints

2022-23

Professional behaviour Staff attitude Failure to demonstrate values such as empathy, respect, fairness, courtesy, extra mile; cultural competency Nil
Professional behaviour Staff competency Failure to action service request; poorly informed decisions; incorrect or incomplete service provided Nil
Professional behaviour Staff knowledge Lack of service specific knowledge; incomplete or out-of-date knowledge Nil
Communication Communication quality Inadequate, delayed or absent communication with customer Nil
Communication Confidentiality Customer’s confidentiality or privacy not respected; information shared incorrectly Nil
Service delivery Systems/technology System offline; inaccessible to customer; incorrect result/information provided; poor system design Nil
Service delivery Access to services Service difficult to find; location poor; facilities/ environment poor standard; not accessible to customers with disabilities Nil
Service delivery Process Processing error; incorrect process used; delay in processing application; process not customer responsive Nil
Policy Policy application Incorrect policy interpretation; incorrect policy applied; conflicting policy advice given Nil
Policy Policy content Policy content difficult to understand; policy unreasonable or disadvantages customer Nil
Service quality Information Incorrect, incomplete,
out-dated or inadequate information; not fit for purpose
Nil
Service quality Access to information Information difficult to understand, hard to find or difficult to use; not plain English Nil
Service quality Timeliness Lack of staff punctuality; excessive waiting times (outside of service standard); timelines not met Nil
Service quality Safety Maintenance; personal or family safety; duty of care not shown; poor security service/ premises; poor cleanliness Nil
Service quality Service responsiveness Service design doesn’t meet customer needs; poor service fit with customer expectations Nil
No case to answer No case to answer Third party; customer misunderstanding; redirected to another agency; insufficient information to investigate Nil
Total Nil

Additional Metrics

Total
Number of positive feedback comments Nil
Number of negative feedback comments Nil
Total number of feedback comments Nil
% complaints resolved within policy timeframes N/A

Data for previous years is available at: Public Complaints 2022-23 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au

 Service Improvements

Not applicable.

Compliance Statement

Defence SA is compliant with Premier and Cabinet Circular 039 – complaint management in the South Australian public sector Y
Defence SA has communicated the content of PC 039 and the agency’s related complaints policies and procedures to employees. Y