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
The Hon Emily Bourke MLC
Minister for Autism
This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2020 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:
Rick Persse
Chief Executive
29 September 2025
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.
It is my privilege to present the Annual Report of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC). This report reflects the significant achievements of the past year, and also the enduring role our Department holds at the centre of government, enabling government to respond to complex challenges with agility and clarity.
DPC plays a unique and vital role in shaping the future of South Australia. We are entrusted with the responsibility of supporting the Premier, Cabinet, and our colleagues across government to deliver the highest quality of decision making. This is not simply a matter of process but about ensuring that every decision taken at the heart of government is informed, strategic, and focused on improving the lives of South Australians.
We have strengthened our role as the trusted steward of Cabinet, ensuring that government decisions are made with clarity, rigour, and foresight. We have worked hard to foster strong intergovernmental relationships, representing South Australia’s interests on the national stage regarding matters including health and disability, transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks and supporting our regions through the challenges of drought and inland river flooding.
Our central policy leadership and partnerships across government, industry, community and philanthropy continues to drive reform, innovation, and collaboration across the public sector. This shared effort has yielded positive progress in South Australia’s role in the AUKUS agreement, delivering innovative and community led solutions through the Children in the North project and launching a 10-year cultural policy for South Australia.
DPC’s active role in driving infrastructure projects have contributed to the vibrancy of our state. Completion of the Barossa Park redevelopment, upgrades to the Festival Centre and our commitment to redeveloping the North Adelaide Public Golf Course will benefit future generations of South Australians and help us continue to build our state’s reputation as a great place to visit.
I am exceptionally proud of how the Department is working to create a more inclusive and accessible government through scaling up the Multicultural Ambassador Program, launching co-design principles for engaging with First Nations people and establishing the South Australian Public Sector Neurodivergent Employee Network.
Since joining the department as Chief Executive in December 2024, I have been impressed by the professionalism displayed by the DPC team and I commend the team for their dedication, professionalism, and integrity. It is this commitment to excellence and passion for public service that are the foundation of our success.
I look forward to continuing our efforts to deliver valued and connected programs and policies and support the highest levels of decision making in the interest of the people of South Australia.
Rick Persse
Chief Executive
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
View the Annual Report
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Department of the Premier and Cabinet Annual Report 2024-25
Full audited financial statements