Performance at a glance
- Worked with the Electoral Commission of South Australia on the inaugural First Nations Voice Election and supported local and state voices once elected.
- Continued to coordinate, monitor and report on South Australia’s implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
- The ODPP prosecuted a range of complex criminal matters and civil confiscation proceedings, including the first prosecution arising from Operation Ironside and a long-running trial of multiple accused charged with the murder of Jason De Ieso.
- The CSO provided legal advice and representation on a number of matters across government, including the Hydrogen Jobs Plan and the Northern Water project.
- CBS began preparations to assume responsibility for licensing, compliance and enforcement functions for the sale and supply of tobacco from 1 July 2024.
- The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2023 passed Parliament in November 2023 which ensures a sustainable rental sector that supports both tenants and landlords. Phase 1 of the reforms commenced on 1 March 2024.
- The Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill 2023 (SA) passed Parliament in November 2023 establishing the offence of industrial manslaughter.
- Drafted the Portable Long Service Leave Bill 2024 to expand access to portable long service leave for the community services industry.
- In conjunction with SA Police and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, commenced planning for the new South Australia Forensic Facility.
- Supported victims by providing additional funding of $2 million over 4 years to improve support services for victims of crime.
- Equal Opportunity SA continued to implement the WE’RE EQUAL initiative which educates the community about diversity and inclusion.
Agency specific objectives and performance
Safe and thriving communities
Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|
Implemented the ‘My Life My Wishes’ project. |
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Develop a culturally safe supported decision-making tool for Public Advocate clients. | A tool, guideline and training video on Culturally Safe Supported Decision-Making have been developed in consultation with Aboriginal people and expert groups. The tool was trialled with 34 Aboriginal people with guardianship orders appointing the Public Advocate. The finalised tool, guideline and training video will be used by Office of the Public Advocate staff to ascertain the wishes of Aboriginal people under guardianship of the Public Advocate. |
Implement the Advance Care Directive toolkit and education initiative. | The Toolkit was launched in South Australia’s Plan Ahead week in September 2023 with all resources available on the Public Advocate website. |
Support victims by providing additional funding of $2 million over 4 years to improve support services for victims of crime. | This election commitment has been delivered by providing $250,000 per annum to Victim Support Service to deliver the Safer Spaces and Court Companions programs. An additional $250,000 per annum has been provided to Relationships Australia SA to increase the capacity of the service to provide timely therapeutic counselling for victims of crime. |
Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Reforms passed by State Parliament. | The RTA reforms will create significant improvements for tenants in South Australia, including security of tenure. The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2023 passed Parliament on 29 November 2023. Phase 1 of the RTA reforms commenced on 1 March 2024. |
| Stronger casino penalties for South Australia. | The Casino (Penalties) Amendment Bill was introduced into Parliament on 1 May 2024. |
Planning for a specialised compliance approach to address the increasing risk presented by the sale and supply of unlawful and illicit tobacco and vaping devices. | CBS undertook planning to assume responsibility from SA Health for the licensing, compliance and enforcement functions for the sale and supply of tobacco and vaping from 1 July 2024. This includes preparatory work to inform its risk based, intelligence led compliance strategy. |
Update work health and safety education in relation to domestic violence, including both mental health first aid training and an understanding of domestic violence in Work Health and Safety education. | In November 2023, new guidance material was published on SafeWork SA’s website about the management of work health and safety risks in the workplace associated with family and domestic violence. |
Election commitment to create consistency in the state system for family and domestic violence leave and expand the objectives of the Fair Work Act 1994 (SA) to include gender equality. | From 1 September 2023, the Fair Work Act 1994 (SA) provides workers a specific entitlement of 15 days paid family and domestic violence leave from the beginning of each year of their employment, for workers in the South Australian industrial relations system. |
Introducing and passing of the offence of industrial manslaughter. | On 29 November 2023, Parliament passed the Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill 2023 (SA), to amend the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA). |
Implementation of recommendations contained in the Independent Review of SafeWork SA. | The passing of the Work Health and Safety (Review Recommendations) Amendment Bill 2024 on 27 June 2024 addressed key recommendations contained in the Independent Review of SafeWork SA. |
Prohibition of the use of Engineered stone. | Work Health and Safety Regulations were developed to prohibit the use of engineered stone and provide for stronger regulation of the processing of materials containing crystalline silica. |
Coordinate, monitor and report on South Australia’s implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (CTG). | Key activities in 2023-24 included:
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Administer the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Grant Fund. | The CTG Partnership Committee agreed guidelines, assessment processes and priorities for this new funding stream, which will provide $2.8 million in funding to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to further Closing the Gap initiatives. |
Support the inaugural First Nations Voice Election. | The inaugural First Nations Voice Election was held on 16 March 2024. |
| Consult with South Australians on the design and delivery of new Aboriginal monuments. | AAR progressed work to identify the first six Aboriginal South Australians to be recognised with a monument - including possible locations. |
| Consulted on a proposal to criminalise coercive control, to increase public safety. Engaged in public roundtable discussions with cross-government members. | The Department conducted extensive public consultation during the first half of the reporting period and has engaged in discussions with government stakeholders. |
| Reviewing the offence of choking, suffocation, or strangulation in a domestic setting. | The Department led a review into the operation and effectiveness of the offence, and consideration of the approach taken in other jurisdictions. The review engaged law enforcement and prosecution authorities. |
| Introduction of Bills into Parliament. | A number of Bills were introduced into Parliament in 2023-24 including:
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| Passed new laws to protect victims of family and domestic violence. | Amended the Bail Act 1985 to require defendants charged with breaches of domestic violence intervention orders to be subject to bail conditions including electronic monitoring. |
| Review of sexual consent laws to identify and progress sexual violence reform. | Produced a discussion paper identifying areas for potential reform, including introducing an affirmative consent model, changing the subject, timing and frequency of jury directions and increasing penalties for image-based sexual offences. |
| Introduction of a Bill to require mandatory blood testing of those who bite or spit on those employed in emergency work. | The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) (Blood Testing) Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament in May 2024. The Bill recognises the significant stress to emergency workers (including police) who are bitten or spat on while performing their duties, and mandates blood testing of those who engage in this behaviour, if requested by the worker. |
| Represented the Attorney-General in proceedings directed at keeping the community safe under the Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) Act 2015). | The CSO represented the Attorney-General on numerous applications for orders under the Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) Act 2015. |
| Appeared in child protection proceedings to keep children safe from harm under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017. | Appeared in child protection proceedings to keep children safe from harm under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017. The Child Protection group within the CSO provided advice and representation services to the Department for Child Protection, totalling 30,000 hours in 2023-24. |
| Passed new laws to provide greater protection for children and young people in the workforce. | The Child Sex Offenders Registration (Child-Related Work) Amendment Act passed Parliament. This Act ensures that child sex offenders are not permitted to work with underage employees (subject to discretionary exemptions) and requires those arrested or reported for certain child sex offences to inform their current or prospective employer (if the business also employs children) that they have been convicted or charged. |
Fairly administered laws
Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|
Progress recommendations from the Advisory Commission into the Incarceration Rates of Aboriginal Peoples in South Australia. | The Government invested around $25 million over four years to respond to the key themes and recommendations of the Commission’s report as part of the 2023-24 State Budget. |
Amend the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 to provide new protections from discrimination for victims of domestic abuse. | In June 2023, Parliament passed the Equal Opportunity (Domestic Abuse) Amendment Bill 2023. |
| Continue to implement the WE’RE EQUAL campaign to educate the community about diversity and inclusion. | The WE’RE EQUAL campaign continued in 2023-24 with some 180 members now registered - and membership continues to grow. EOSA and the Department for Education are working on a roll out of WE’RE EQUAL to nearly 950 public schools. |
| Independent Review of SafeWork SA: Amending section 271 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA). | The confidentiality provision in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012(SA) has been amended to provide the South Australian Work Health and Safety Regulator with discretion to disclose information to persons affected by workplace incidents, including victims and families. |
| Election commitment to consult with workers, unions and businesses to expand access to portable long service leave in South Australia. | Developed the Portable Long Service Leave Bill 2024 to expand access to portable long service leave for the community services industry. The Bill:
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| Native title determinations have been realised. | The CSO continues to negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements as an alternative or adjunct to native title claims, on behalf of the State, to support Aboriginal people’s right to self-determination. The CSO also provided advice on numerous negotiations and settlement agreements on native title applications during 2023-24. |
| Reform to ban electoral donations. | Legislative Services continued work with Minister Cregan on the Government’s proposed reforms to electoral donation laws which would involve a widespread ban on political donations. |
An efficient and effective justice system
Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|
Complex criminal matters are prosecuted by the ODPP. | The ODPP continued to prosecute a range of complex criminal matters and civil confiscation proceedings. |
The ODPP investigates the feasibility of developing an electronic exhibit management solution. | Following the 2023 Workplace Experience Report, the ODPP developed a Change Program, including an investigation of the feasibility of an electronic exhibit management solution. |
Implemented recommendations from various reports into succession law by passing the Succession Act 2023. | Parliament passed the Succession Act 2023, which, upon commencement, will modernise and consolidate the State’s various Acts dealing with succession law. |
Our people meet customer needs
Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|
Transfer of official records into State Records’ custody. | State Records of South Australia received over 4,200 linear metres of records from the Office of the Registrar-General. |
Election commitment to amend the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA) to address psychosocial risks. | In 2023, the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA) were amended to address psychosocial risks. The new regulations came into operation on 25 December 2023. |
Establish the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. | Established the office, including staff and accommodation, to support the Royal Commission and the mechanisms for the appointment of the Commissioner, Natasha Stott Despoja AO. |
Effectively manage industrial relations across the public sector. | The Industrial Relations and Policy (IRAP) branch provided advice, representation and support in a range of industrial matters, including conciliating industrial disputes in the South Australian Employment Tribunal. |
Provide high quality legislative drafting and publishing services to Parliament and to Government. | Parliamentary Counsel supported the 55th Parliament through drafting Bills for all members, including the Adelaide University Bill 2023, the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products (Tobacco Product Prohibitions) Amendment Bill 2023 and the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023. |
| High quality and timely legal advice is provided to Ministers and government agencies. | The CSO provided legal advice and representation on matters across government, including the Hydrogen Jobs Plan and the Northern Water project. |
| Respond to requests for information from the National Redress Scheme. | The State Redress Response Unit responded to requests for information from the Commonwealth Operator of the National Redress Scheme. The scheme provides compensation and other outcomes for victims of institutional child sexual abuse. The volume of requests increased significantly in 2023-24 with nearly 1,500 requests responded to in a timely manner. |
| Reviewed and enhanced the role of the Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer in the ODPP. | The ODPP reviewed the role of the Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer to provide culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal victims and witnesses, and to consult with staff to enhance their cultural understanding. |
| Supported traditional owners to undertake work to remediate the impact of natural disasters on Aboriginal heritage, in particular the River Murray flood event. | The impact of the 2022 River Murray floods on Aboriginal heritage was significant. AAR worked with Green Industries SA to undertake the necessary conservation work under the leadership of local Traditional Owners. AAR ensured the views, perspectives and cultural authority of Aboriginal people and community are at the centre of recovery work. Over 300 properties were inspected for heritage during reconstruction, with 34 new sites uncovered during demolitions. The program was named ‘Project of the Year’ by the SA Aboriginal Building and Civil Construction Academy in 2023. |
Progressive technology and supportive infrastructure
| The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) increased access to justice through flexible approaches to hearings either in person or through tribunal hearing technology. | SACAT users can access hearings and conferences easily and participate effectively - either attending at SACAT with appropriate supports if required or by using simple and effective technology. SACAT upgraded telephone and video equipment and reconfigured hearing rooms to improve the capacity for in person and online hearings. SACAT continues to work on enhancements to the online case management system to integrate with hearing room technology. |
| Improved digital systems for CBS (OneCBS Project). | Phase 1 of the OneCBS project replacing Residential Tenancies systems (Bonds Management System, Residential Bonds Online and Parks) was successfully implemented in June 2024. |
| Adoption of business process automation across the agency. | 2023-24 saw the automation of over 30 separate work tasks and business processes through an automation pilot program across the Department. The benefits realised include improved quality, consistency in processes and time saving outcomes. |
| Commenced implementation of the integrated forensic laboratory information management system to replace legacy systems. | In 2023-24 FSSA continued to improve digital workflows through the replacement of the existing forensic Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). |
| Improve information sharing across the Justice Sector through the delivery of a modern data exchange. | Secured funding through the Digital Investment Fund to support the replacement of the Justice Information System. |
| Support and maintain our Public Safety systems and networks; ensuring they are modern, reliable, secure, and resilient. | Successful completion of the SA Government Radio Network upgrade, a program that upgraded infrastructure at over 200 sites across the State including the three Triple Zero centres. |
Deliver and maintain an effective Emergency Aviation Service to enable SAAS and SAPOL to perform critical aeromedical retrieval, search and rescue and airborne policing missions. | Extended and improved the State Rescue Helicopter Service contract to provide for:
Secured funding and progressed procurement for the future state emergency aviation service, including a new operating base. |
Shape the future workforce
| Develop and launch an updated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and implement activities to celebrate culture and promote reconciliation. | The Department launched its updated Innovate RAP in May 2024. The RAP includes 88 actions and outlines the actions we will take to promote reconciliation and deliver services to the community. RAP achievements over the past 12 months include over 200 staff participating in cultural awareness training, five students participating in the First Nations Work Experience program and hosting eight Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week events. |
| Implement strategies to promote gender equality and promote the department’s commitment to zero tolerance of violence against women and children. | The Department continues to implement and report on its Gender Equality and Respect Action Plan. Activities undertaken in the past 12 months include celebrations for International Women's Day which included a panel discussion about gender equality. The International Women's Day breakfast with Caroline Kennedy was also livestreamed on the GPO Exchange lobby screen. |
| AGD response to, and participation in, whole of Government staff surveys. | The Department has continued to respond to the outcomes of the 2021 “Your Voice” whole of Government staff survey. Initiatives implemented in 2023-24 include the development of resources to assist with workload management and vicarious trauma and cultural Awareness Workshops for staff. AGD employees completed the 2024 whole of Public Sector “People Matter Employee Survey” with a response rate of 65%. |
Corporate performance summary
- Continued the implementation of the Your Voice Action Plan, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and leadership effectiveness. 65% of staff also participated in the 2024 People Matter Employee Survey.
- Established a Career and Development Pool for Aboriginal staff to discuss career goals and identify supports available to help progress their career.
- The Department launched its updated Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in May 2024. The RAP includes 88 actions and outlines the actions we will take to promote reconciliation and deliver services to the community.
- Over 30 separate work tasks and business processes were automated through an automation pilot program across the Department.
- Improved the Department’s resilience to cyber security threats by increasing alignment to South Australian Cyber Security Framework, including improved guidance for system and software development practises.
Employment opportunity programs
The Department employs an Aboriginal Engagement Officer to support the implementation of the AER. The Engagement Officer is working with AGD Human Resources and OCPSE to raise more awareness of the AER to hiring managers.
The AGD recruitment system has been updated to encourage all managers to check the AER before recruiting. An appointment was made to the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament team via the AER. The Engagement Officer has also mentored a selection of AGD Aboriginal Employees.
The representation of Aboriginal employees in the department as of 30 June 2024 was 2.5%.
During 2023-24, Aboriginal staff were asked if they wished to be part of the Aboriginal Career and Development Pool. Eight staff have now met with HR and the Engagement Officer on a one-to-one basis to discuss their career goals and identify supports available to help them progress their career. Staff will be contacted annually to see if they wish to be part of the pool.
Human Resources provides details of suitable roles on a periodic basis to Aboriginal staff who have expressed an interest in progressing their career. The Engagement Officer also raises awareness and facilitates the career progression of staff across AGD for roles or secondments/development opportunities.
Agency performance management and development systems
AGD has a twice-yearly performance management process. 78% of AGD employees had at least one performance review recorded in the last 12 months.
Work health, safety and return to work programs
AGD continued to work towards its Wellbeing and Safety Strategic Plan 2022-24 goals:
- leaders demonstrate commitment to safety by their actions
- organisational practices support wellbeing and engagement
- risk management is systematic and proportionate
- regular verification and evaluation of safety performance is undertaken.
Dedicated programs and initiatives have been implemented to highlight, promote and improve employee health, safety, and wellbeing.
The AGD Health and Safety Committee meet quarterly, with input from the Health and Safety Representative forum, ensuring consultation on wellbeing and safety matters.
In 2023-24, AGD recorded 17 new workplace injury claims, with psychological claims accounting for the highest proportion of claims costs.
The prevention of psychological claims through early intervention, education and training, resources, and supports remained a priority for AGD, with particular focus on workload management, emotionally challenging work, mental health, and leadership development.
AGD’s partnership with employee assistance provider, Human Psychology, continued to provide employees with an external support service.
Workplace injury claims | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Total new workplace injury claims | 17 | 6 | +183% |
Fatalities | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Seriously injured workers* | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Significant injuries (where lost time exceeds a working week, expressed per 1,000 FTE) | 9 | 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) | 1 | 4 | -75% |
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 ($) | $293,305.03 | $198,424.66 | +48% |
Income support payments – gross ($) | $484,818.27 | $135,911.97 | +257% |
** Before third party recovery
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/attorney-generals-department-annual-report-data-work-health-and-safety
Executive employment in the agency
Executive classification | Number of executives |
|---|---|
Chief Executive | 1 |
SAES1 | 56 |
SAES2 | 22 |
Statutory Appointments | 9 |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/attorney-generals-department-annual-report-data-executive-employment
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.