Chief Executive certification
The Hon. Peter Bryden Malinauskas MP
Premier of South Australia
The Hon. Zoe Lee Bettison MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP
Minister for Arts
This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2010 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 the Department of the Premier and Cabinet by
Damien Walker
Chief Executive
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
28 September 2022
A message from the Chief Executive
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge this land. The Dreaming is still living. From the past, in the present, into the future, forever.
The 2021-22 financial year was one of change, renewal and refocus for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC).
On 21 March 2022 the installation of a new government resulted in a shift in priorities and a change in leadership for DPC. The professionalism of those across the department in working to smoothly welcome the incoming government and recalibrate to deliver on new priorities has been a hallmark of my short time with DPC.
Since commencing my role on 3 May 2022, I have been continually impressed by the hard work performed within DPC and the calibre of people who bring it to the fore each and every day.
In recent months we have embarked on a new strategic direction, beginning a program of works to shape DPC for the future. The ambition behind shaping DPC is to further strengthen our department as the beating heart of government and put the advancement of South Australia always front of mind.
This work began from a need to change our structure as a result of altered government priorities and budget provisions, however, has intentionally delivered a new organisational culture which will continue to serve us well into the future.
On 2 June DPC supported the delivery of the 2022 State Budget and as the government’s lead agency we will continue to play a vital role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation across the public sector through strong policy advice and collaboration.
Teams from across DPC also facilitated the first Country Cabinet for 2022, held in Mount Gambier. The Cabinet was a chance for around 200 local community members to come together with the Premier and government to discuss challenges and opportunities in the region.
At the close of this financial year, machinery of government changes resulted in DPC farewelling Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (AAR). I would like to thank AAR for all they achieved within DPC in the 2021-22 financial year and look forward to seeing the important work they will continue to do within the Attorney-General's Department.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of my predecessor Nick Reade whose leadership saw DPC look to increase digitisation opportunities, customer service improvements and the establishment of a public sector purpose which endures to this day: ‘making a difference so South Australia thrives’. Thank you also to Dr Jon Gorvett, who acted in the chief executive role prior to my commencement in May 2022.
A heartfelt thank you to all staff for your contributions through a year of great change and considerable achievements. I look forward to what we can collectively achieve in the years ahead and how we can continue to shape DPC for the future.
Damien Walker
Chief Executive
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
View the Annual Report
Download
Department of the Premier and Cabinet Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 3.4 MB)
Full audited financial statements (PDF, 2.7 MB)