The past financial year has been one of substantial change and achievement for the Attorney-General’s Department. Our agency led several initiatives that have been at the forefront of national conversations.

One of the most complex and significant of these reforms has been the creation of South Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Our agency has been involved in this reform from its inception.  Firstly, through the efforts of the Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius undertaking the important preliminary consultation with communities, and the hard work of Legislative Services and Parliamentary Counsel in delivering the legislation which provides the framework for the Voice, to its establishment, undertaken by the Voice Secretariat and its director, Andrea Mason. In March, the Electoral Commission of South Australia oversaw the election of 46 Local Voice members across six regions.

With the membership of the State Voice now finalised, the body will begin providing advice to Government and the State Parliament aimed at making a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal communities around South Australia.

Our agency has also led work to establish South Australia’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence which is being undertaken by Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja AO.

This Royal Commission will consider how South Australia can prevent domestic, family and sexual violence, improve our approach to early intervention and support for victim-survivors, and how we can better integrate and coordinate these efforts as a community.  The Commission is expected to complete this important work by 1 July 2025.

As the agency responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, we are continuing our work on Closing the Gap, coordinating South Australia’s actions and responses across agencies. In AGD, we are continuing to work towards embedding the Priority Reforms within the Closing the Gap National Agreement and adopting a different approach to our work.

Our continued partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) is proving fruitful in achieving more cohesive and culturally informed decision-making.

SafeWork SA delivered a significant election commitment of the Malinauskas Government, the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws.

The laws, which came into effect on 1 July 2024, will help the workplace safety regulator hold those individuals and businesses that put the lives of workers at risk to account for their actions, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison for individuals and up to $18 million for companies whose reckless or grossly negligent conduct leads to the death of a worker.

SafeWork SA has also undertaken extensive work in preparation for the nationwide ban on the use of engineered stone products, with transitional arrangements now in effect in South Australia. These transitional arrangements give businesses until the end of 2024 to install engineered stone products, where the contract to supply and install the product was entered into before the end of 2023.  The Small Business Commissioner has also assisted in this process by organising forums to support traders and consumers through this change.

SafeWork SA has also developed and led a strong awareness campaign to ensure South Australians are aware of the changes and their implications.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has delivered on numerous reforms being implemented by Government, including large-scale sweeping changes to the state’s residential tenancies laws that better protect tenants while keeping the balance right between tenant and landlord protections.

A significant tranche of these reforms has now commenced, including a ban on the practice known as rent bidding, more flexibility for tenants with pets, and increased minimum notice times for ending fixed tenancies, to help tenants find a new place to live and make arrangements to move.

In addition, CBS has developed reforms to toughen the state’s casino laws, after several misconduct findings by casino operators around Australia. Changes in legislation will give the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner the power to impose penalties of up to $75 million, compared to the current maximum of $100,000.

The inquiry by the Honourable Brian Martin AO KC into the operations of the SkyCity Adelaide Casino has recommenced following the conclusion of proceedings by the anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC, which saw the casino operators fined $67 million in the Federal Court. The results of Mr Martin’s investigation are expected to be provided to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner by the end of the year.

From 1 July 2024 CBS assumed responsibility for regulating the licensing and sale of tobacco products in South Australia. Announced as part of the 2024-25 State Budget, more than 20 staff will be employed in CBS to undertake this new function and help fight the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes in our state.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, under the leadership of DPP Martin Hinton KC, has begun the process of implementing measures to evolve and improve operational processes, enhance support for victims of crime, and improve staff wellbeing and psychosocial safety.  Significant progress has already been made in these areas.

The Office has also continued its work on matters stemming from Operation Ironside and is awaiting the outcome of an application for special leave to appeal to the High Court.  The Office also reviewed the Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer role which focuses on providing culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal victims and witnesses, and consulting with staff to enhance their cultural understanding.

The Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) has continued its work in delivering timely, high-quality legal advice and representation to the whole of Government.  The CSO has progressed negotiations with Native Title determination claims, provided representation in proceedings aimed at keeping children safe from harm under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 and represented the Attorney-General in proceedings aimed at keeping the community safe through South Australia’s High Risk Offender laws.

In addition, CSO has provided advice to Government on various major projects including vital infrastructure such as the North-South Corridor and the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as well as other initiatives such as the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan and Northern Water facilities.

In terms of our own infrastructure, planning for the new South Australia Forensic Centre is well underway.  This work is being undertaken in conjunction with SA Police and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and will provide for a new purpose built facility to support the provision of expert scientific services to the justice system.

Our smaller business units continue to punch above their weight when it comes to delivering significant outcomes to protect the rights of the South Australian community. Equal Opportunity SA now has 180 members registered with WE’RE EQUAL, and membership continues to grow. Work is currently underway to support a roll out of WE’RE EQUAL to nearly 950 public schools.

In August 2023, Sarah Quick commenced as Commissioner for Victims’ Rights. Under her guidance, Victims of Crime SA has implemented a new case management system and updated a number of publications, including by making the Information for Victims of Crime handbook more accessible through the application of a QR code and postcard.

The Office of the Public Advocate completed the ‘My Life My Wishes’ project which assists in ascertaining and considering client wishes as part of the decision-making process, and completed the Culturally Safe Supported Decision-Making tool, guideline and training video which is designed to assist engagement with Aboriginal clients.

These are just a few of the highlights of the work undertaken by the many hundreds of diligent staff working in the Attorney-General’s Department over the past year.

It continues to be an honour to lead such a dedicated workforce and work with the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Attorney-General and the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Public Sector, the Honourable Kyam Maher and the Minister for Small and Family Business and the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, the Honourable Andrea Michaels, and their staff.

Our strategic focus

2022-24 Strategic Plan (PDF, 319.7 KB)

Our organisational structure as at 30 June 2024 (PDF, 162.0 KB)

Changes to the agency

During 2023-24 there were no changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of machinery of government changes.

However, the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE) became an attached office to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) effective from 1 July 2024.

Annual Reporting

The following areas of AGD submit their own annual reports:

• Equal Opportunity SA
• Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee
• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
• Office of the Public Advocate
• Ombudsman SA
• Public Trustee
• South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• South Australian Employment Tribunal
• State Records SA
• Victims of Crime SA

Other agencies that submit their own annual report are:

• Courts Administration Authority
• Electoral Commissioner
• Independent Commission Against Corruption
• Judicial Conduct Commissioner
• Legal Services Commission
• Office of the Inspector
• Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment
• Office for Public Integrity
• Office of the Small Business Commissioner

The Hon Kyam Maher MLC

The Hon Kyam Maher MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, is the state’s principal legal advisor to the government and is responsible for exercising certain powers and regulating and administering a range of legislation.

The Attorney-General is a member of Cabinet and is responsible for:

• specific legislation and the state's legal system
• developing and implementing policy
• legal action relevant to the state government.

The Hon Andrea Michaels MP

The Hon Andrea Michaels MP is the Minister for Small and Family Business and Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs.

The Minister supports sustainable economic growth by assisting South Australian industries and businesses to succeed in a local and global environment as well as protecting consumers and supporting and regulating business.

Mike Wait SC

Mike is the Solicitor-General which is a statutory officer appointed by the Governor under the Solicitor-General Act 1972. The Solicitor-General is the second law officer of the state. Acting on the instructions of the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General advises the state and appears as counsel on behalf of the state, including on behalf of the Crown Solicitor and the Director of Public Prosecutions, as required.

Ingrid Norman

Ingrid is the Crown Solicitor of South Australia and is responsible for leading the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO), which comprises the Public Law, Civil Litigation, Crown Counsel, Commercial, Environment & Native Title and Business Services sections. The CSO provides advice to, and represents, the South Australian Government on behalf of the Attorney-General. This includes providing legal services to Cabinet, Ministers and South Australian Government agencies on a wide variety of legal issues.

Adam Kilvert

Adam is the Executive Director for the Policy and Community division, including Justice Policy and Analytics and Strategic Communications, which provide advice and support to the Attorney-General and the broader department. The division also consists of the offices of the Ombudsman, Public Advocate, Public Trustee, the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, the Director of the Office for Public Integrity, and the Commissioner for Victims' Rights, which aim to protect the rights of the public.

Andrew Swanson

Andrew is the Executive Director of the Finance, People and Performance division. He is the Chief Financial Officer and responsible for leading a range of functions including Financial Services, Human Resources, Facilities and Performance and Business Services. The division also includes Forensic Science SA, the Office of the South Australian Small Business Commissioner, the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) and the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET).

Dini Soulio

Dini was the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs and Liquor and Gambling within Consumer and Business Services (CBS) until early 2024. CBS has a broad portfolio including consumer protection, product safety, occupational licensing, liquor licensing, gambling regulation, charities regulation, residential tenancies, births, deaths and marriages and Justice of the Peace services. Fraser Stroud acted in the position following Dini’s departure.

Glenn Farrell

Glenn Farrell is the Executive Director of SafeWork SA (SWSA). SWSA is South Australia's workplace health and safety regulator and is responsible for providing work health and safety, public safety and state-based industrial relations services. In addition, SWSA enforces work health and safety laws in South Australia and is accountable to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector.

John Doherty

John is the Director, Forensic Science SA (FSSA). FSSA provides independent scientific and pathology services to the justice system of South Australia in the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Pathology and Toxicology. FSSA collaborates closely with the tertiary sector, particularly the three local universities, to ensure it maintains a high quality and contemporary scientific service through research, training and teaching.

Martin Hinton KC

Martin is the Director of Public Prosecutions (the DPP). He is a statutory officer, independent of AGD, who initiates and conducts criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts of South Australia. The DPP also conducts appeals in the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia. The DPP oversees the operations of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) comprising Trial Counsel, Solicitors (including Confiscations), and Business Services (including the Witness Assistance Service) to ensure the ODPP provides the people of South Australia with an independent and effective criminal prosecution service that is timely, efficient, and just.

Matt Smith

Matt Smith is the Executive Director of the Projects and Technology division. He is responsible for leading Technology, Project Delivery, Public Safety and Information Management services. In addition to supporting the operations of AGD, the division provides Public Safety and Justice Information services to more than twenty other Government agencies.

Nerida Saunders PSM

Nerida is the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation division (AAR) of the department. She is responsible for providing engagement, support and advice for Aboriginal people and government. In addition, AAR works with Aboriginal South Australians to ensure that the needs of Aboriginal people and communities are met, including in areas of identified disadvantage, as well as those of strength.

Nicolle Rantanen

Nicolle was the Public Trustee until June 2024. The Public Trustee is responsible for the efficient management of the Public Trustee Office and the effective implementation of the Public Trustee Act 1995. The role includes acting as Administrator, Executor or Trustee of deceased estates, as Administrator of estates of protected persons under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993, as Manager of estates of protected persons under the Aged and Infirm Persons’ Property Act 1940 and as Attorney or Agent. The Public Trustee is also the Trustee for minors as a result of distributions in intestate estates administered by private administrators and by appointment as trustee for other trusts and wills. Tony Brumfield was appointed the Public Trustee in July 2024.

Steph Halliday

Steph is the Executive Director of Legal and Legislative Services. The division includes Legislative Services, who provide legal and policy advice on legislative reform, Parliamentary Counsel, the CSO, the ODPP, Industrial Relations and Policy (IRAP) and the State Redress Response Unit. Steph brings a diverse range of justice sector knowledge to the role, with expertise spanning public, regulatory and criminal law, and government policy.

Aboriginal Heritage Act 1979*

Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988*

Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 2013

Action for Breach of Promise of Marriage (Abolition) Act 1971

Adelaide Children's Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital (Testamentary Dispositions) Act 1990

Administration and Probate Act 1919

Administrative Arrangements Act 1994

Administrative Decisions (Effect of International Instruments) Act 1995

Aged and Infirm Persons' Property Act 1940

Age of Majority (Reduction) Act 1971

Aircraft Offences Act 1971

Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981*

ANZ Executors and Trustee Company (South Australia) Limited (Transfer of Business) Act 1996

Associations Incorporation Act 1985

Australia Acts (Request) Act 1985

Australian Crime Commission (South Australia) Act 2004

Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000

Bail Act 1985

Ballot Act 1862

Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009

Building Work Contractors Act 1995

Burial and Cremation Act 2013

Business Names (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2012

Casino Act 1997

Child Sex Offenders Registration Act 2006

Civil Liability Act 1936

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995

Collections for Charitable Purposes Act 1939

Commercial Arbitration Act 2011

Commonwealth Legislative Power Act 1931*

Commonwealth Places (Administration of Laws) Act 1970

Commonwealth Powers (De Facto Relationships) Act 2009

Commonwealth Powers (Family Law) Act 1986

Community Titles Act 1996

Companies (Administration) Act 1982

Constitutional Powers (Coastal Waters) Act 1979

Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1987

Conveyancers Act 1994

Co-operatives National Law (South Australia) Act 2013

Coroners Act 2003

Corporations (Administrative Actions) Act 2001

Corporations (Ancillary Provisions) Act 2001

Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001

Corporations (South Australia) Act 1990

Courts Administration Act 1993

COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020

Credit (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2010

Credit (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2010

Criminal Assets Confiscation Act 2005

Criminal Investigation (Covert Operations) Act 2009

Criminal Investigation (Extraterritorial Offences) Act 1984

Criminal Law (Clamping, Impounding and Forfeiture of Vehicles) Act 2007

Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935

Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act 2007

Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) Act 2015

Criminal Law (Legal Representation) Act 2001

Criminal Procedure Act 1921

Cross-border Justice Act 2009

Crown Proceedings Act 1992

Da Costa Samaritan Fund (Incorporation of Trustees) Act 1953

Dangerous Substances Act 1979

Daylight Saving Act 1971

Death (Definition) Act 1983

Debtors Act 1936

Defamation Act 2005

Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1991

District Court Act 1991

Domestic Partners Property Act 1996

Domicile Act 1980

Dust Diseases Act 2005

Election of Senators Act 1903**

Electoral Act 1985**

Electronic Communications Act 2000

Employment Agents Registration Act 1993

Encroachments Act 1944

Enforcement of Judgments Act 1991

Environment, Resources and Development Court Act 1993

Equal Opportunity Act 1984

Essential Services Act 1981

Estates Tail Act 1881 (The)

Evidence Act 1929

Expiation of Offences Act 1996

Explosives Act 1936

Fair Trading Act 1987

Fair Work Act 1994

Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009

Family Relationships Act 1975

Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018

Federal Courts (State Jurisdiction) Act 1999

Fences Act 1975

Financial Sector Reform (South Australia) Act 1999

First Nations Voice Act 2023

Foreign Judgments Act 1971

Freedom of Information Act 1991

Free Presbyterian Church (Vesting of Property) Act 2001

Frustrated Contracts Act 1988

Gambling Administration Act 2019

Gaming Machines Act 1992

Gaming Offences Act 1936

Graffiti Control Act 2001

Guardianship and Administration Act 1993

Guardianship of Infants Act 1940

Hairdressers Act 1988

Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012

Industrial Referral Agreements Act 1986

Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972

Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009

James Brown Memorial Trust Incorporation Act 1990

Judicial Administration (Auxiliary Appointments and Powers) Act 1988

Judicial Conduct Commissioner Act 2015

Juries Act 1927

Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-vesting) Act 1987

Justices of the Peace Act 2005

Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017

Land Agents Act 1994

Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994

Land Valuers Act 1994

Landlord and Tenant Act 1936

Law Reform (Contributory Negligence and Apportionment of Liability) Act 2001

Legal Practitioners Act 1981

Legal Services Commission Act 1977

Legislation Interpretation Act 2021

Legislative Instruments Act 1978

Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002

Limitation of Actions Act 1936

Liquor Licensing Act 1997

Little Sisters of the Poor (Testamentary Dispositions) Act 1986

Lobbyists Act 2015**

Long Service Leave Act 1987

Lotteries Act 2019

Magistrates Act 1983

Magistrates Court Act 1991

Maralinga Tjarutja Land Rights Act 1984*

Marketable Securities Act 1971

Married Persons (Separate Legal Status) Act 2019

Members of Parliament (Register of Interests) Act 1983**

Mercantile Law Act 1936

Minors Contracts (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979

Misrepresentation Act 1972

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2018

Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994

Notaries Public Act 2016

Oaths Act 1936

Off-shore Waters (Application of Laws) Act 1976

Ombudsman Act 1972

Parliamentary Joint Services Act 1985**

Parliamentary Committees Act 1991**

Partnership Act 1891

Personal Property Securities (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009

Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995

Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016

Powers of Attorney and Agency Act 1984

Prices Act 1948

Problem Gambling Family Protection Orders Act 2004

Professional Standards Act 2004

Prohibited Areas (Application of State Laws) Act 1952

Public Holidays Act 2023

Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018

Public Sector Act 2009

Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Act 1995

Public Trustee Act 1995

Racial Vilification Act 1996

Real Property (Commonwealth Titles) Act 1924

Real Property (Foreign Governments) Act 1950

Recreation Grounds (Regulations) Act 1931

Relationships Register Act 2016

Residential Parks Act 2007

Residential Tenancies Act 1995

Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995

Return to Work Act 2014

Return to Work Corporation of South Australia Act 1994

Royal Commissions Act 1917

Royal Style and Titles Act 1973

RSL Memorial Hall Trust Act 1997*

Sale of Goods Act 1895

Sale of Goods (Vienna Convention) Act 1986

Sea-Carriage Documents Act 1998

Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act 1995

Security and Investigation Industry Act 1995

Sentencing Act 2017

Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Act 2008

Serious and Organised Crime (Unexplained Wealth) Act 2009

Settled Estates Act 1880

Settled Estates Act Amendment Act 1889 (The)

Sheriff's Act 1978

Shop Theft (Alternative Enforcement) Act 2000

Shop Trading Hours Act 1977

Small Business Commissioner Act 2011

Solicitor-General Act 1972

South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013

South Australian Employment Tribunal Act 2014

Spent Convictions Act 2009

St. John (Discharge of Trusts) Act 1997

Standard Time Act 2009

State Records Act 1997

Strata Titles Act 1988

Succession Act 2023

Summary Offences Act 1953

Supreme Court Act 1935

Surrogacy Act 2019

Surveillance Devices Act 2016

Survival of Causes of Action Act 1940

Telecommunications (Interception) Act 2012

Tattooing Industry Control Act 2015

Terrorism (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2002

Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2005

Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005

Thomas Hutchinson Trust and related Trusts (Winding Up) Act 1995

Trustee Act 1936

Trustee Companies Act 1988

Unclaimed Goods Act 1987

Unexplained Wealth (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2021

Victims of Crime Act 2001

Waite Trust (Miscellaneous Variations) Act 1996*

Warehouse Liens and Storage Act 1990

Wills Act 1936

Work Health and Safety Act 2012

Young Offenders Act 1993

Youth Court Act 1993

* Denotes Act of limited application

** Denotes Acts committed to the Special Minister of State which are supported by the Attorney-General’s Department.