DEFENCE SA
2024-25 Annual Report
DEFENCE SA
Level 4, 151 Pirie Street, Adelaide
Contact phone number: +61 8 7133 9333
Contact email: [email protected]
ISSN: 1836-1838
Date presented to Minister: 29 September 2025
To:
Hon Peter Malinauskas MP
Premier
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
Date 29 September 2025 Signature
From the Chief Executive
South Australia has had another remarkable year as we prepare for the largest industrial undertaking in our nation’s history, the delivery of Australia’s fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, the SSN-AUKUS. Defence SA has been actively working to ensure our state is ready to seize this opportunity, while also driving progress across a wide range of other major defence, space, and research initiatives.
In support of AUKUS, the state has made significant inroads in workforce development, infrastructure and industry capability, ensuring South Australian companies are well-positioned to enter global supply chains for both Pillar I and Pillar II programs, alongside other major Defence projects. Workforce attraction and skills development remain a cornerstone of our efforts, highlighted by the successful delivery of South Australia’s first dedicated Defence and Space Industry Careers Expo in Adelaide.
It has also been one of the busiest years on record for our national and international engagement program. Domestically, we showcased South Australia’s capabilities at two major Australian events in the same year, the Avalon Air Show and the Land Forces. Exhibitions hosting 60 and 67 South Australian companies respectively on our Defence State stand. While internationally we strengthened ties in the United States through the Sea-Air-Space event and other strategic missions, including advancing defence and space collaboration opportunities in Japan through the Osaka World Expo and Defence Security Equipment International and Undersea Defence Technology in Norway. Our partnerships with the United Kingdom and United States remain central as we deepen our AUKUS relationships and seek supply chain opportunities for South Australian companies.
South Australia continues to be home to major developments across all Defence domains. In the land domain, we are proud to be the base for the establishment of the Army’s 10th Brigade and the new long-range fires capability; while in the air domain, we have made significant progress on the new Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility, a key national asset to support the readiness, resilience and future of Australia’s aerospace support system. In the cyber domain, uplift of industry capability remains a key priority as we build on our strengths in AI, quantum, and advanced technologies that will underpin Pillar II supply chains.
Our space sector continues to make history, with the successful launch and commissioning of South Australia’s first state-owned satellite, Kanyini, an important milestone in building sovereign capability in small satellite manufacturing. We are also preparing for the establishment of the $20 million Space Assembly, Integration and Test Facility at Lot Fourteen, another critical enabler for the growth of our local space industry. The return of the US-based Varda Space Industries capsule through Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range further highlighted South Australia’s opportunity to become a responsible launch and return hub for the global space community.
Defence sector research and development in South Australia has gone from strength to strength. The Defence Innovation Partnership successfully delivered Round 8 of the Collaborative Research Fund and Rounds 2 and 3 of the Activator Fund, supporting cutting-edge projects and fostering collaboration between industry, government and academia. Our continued support for the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and the Venture Catalyst Space program ensures we are inspiring and nurturing the next generation of defence and space leaders in South Australia.
It has truly been a year of progress, partnership and momentum. With our strong foundations, committed workforce, and global reputation as the Defence State, South Australia is firmly positioned to play a leading role in delivering AUKUS, strengthening Australia’s defence capability, and building a thriving defence and space industry for decades to come.
Matt Opie
Chief Executive
Defence SA
Contents
Our organisational structure. 9
Legislation administered by the agency. 10
Other related agencies (within the Minister’s area/s of responsibility) 10
Agency specific objectives and performance. 13
Defence Innovation Partnership. 15
Corporate Performance Summary. 20
Employment opportunity programs. 21
Agency performance management and development systems. 21
Work health, safety and return to work programs. 22
Executive employment in the agency. 23
Financial performance at a glance. 24
Fraud detected in the agency. 27
Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud. 27
Public interest disclosure. 27
Reporting required under any other act or regulation. 28
Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005. 28
Number of public complaints reported. 29
Appendix: Audited financial statements 2024-25. 32
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 and Activator Fund; attracting research and development funding to South Australia; and supporting the translation of defence and national security research and development into capability.
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 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 | · 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 national priorities. |
| SASIC | 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 2024-25 there were no changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes.
Our Minister
In 2024-25, the Minister for Defence and Space Industries was the Hon Stephen Mullighan MP.
The Minister oversees:
- Defence Industry Development
- Defence Innovation Partnership
- South Australian Space Industry Centre
The Minister was also the Treasurer and Minister for Police.
Our Executive team
In 2024-25, Defence SA’s Executive team comprised:
- Matt Opie, Chief Executive: Defence SA, South Australian Space Industry Centre
Matt 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.
- Ian Spencer, Executive Director Defence and Industry
Ian is responsible for delivering initiatives that support the growth of South Australia’s defence and space sectors whilst strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- 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 Corporate Affairs and Government Relations
Jessica is responsible for the oversight and management of all corporate affairs activities for Defence SA, the South Australian Space Industry Centre, Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA including marketing, communications, events, media, Advisory Board management and government relations.
- Ilona Horan, Director Corporate Services and Director Land
Ilona oversees the agency’s corporate services functions, including the management of human resources, WHS, procurement and contracting, while also supporting the land (or Army) industry sector initiatives and major projects 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 Defence SA to the Minister 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’ amongst domestic and international stakeholders.
AUKUS
- Identified and are implementing industry opportunities to enter into the supply chain for Virginia class and SSN-AUKUS submarines supporting AUKUS Pillar I.
- Developed opportunities for South Australian industry to support projects aligned to AUKUS Pillar II advanced capabilities.
- Supported the Office for AUKUS to progress the Le Fevre Peninsula Masterplan, and development of the new Skills and Training Academy at Osbourne.
Defence and industry
- 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, notably in the US, UK, Europe and Asia promoting the Defence State brand on the national stage.
- Facilitated outbound and inbound international business missions providing South Australian industry with the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders across government and industry.
- Supported South Australian industry to win contracts on the Hunter class frigate program, Collins class life-of-type extension and Hobart class destroyer upgrades.
- The Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen, managed by Defence SA, continued to attract national and international defence and space companies seeking to establish a presence in South Australia.
- Worked in collaboration with Renewal SA to continue development of the new Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility to Edinburgh.
Workforce and skills
- Supported the ongoing delivery of the South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan including the successful delivery of the inaugural Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase to promote career opportunities within the sectors.
- 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.
Research, Development and Innovation
- Awarded two rounds of the Activator Fund, with $3.2 million in South Australian Government funding for collaborative projects, leveraging over $6 million in co-contributions from the Department of Defence, universities and industry.
- Funded four new Collaborative Research Fund projects in round 8 of the program, leveraging $1.9 million in co-contributions from the Department of Defence, universities and industry.
Space
- Successfully launched and commissioned South Australia’s state satellite, Kanyini, onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission from the United States.
- Delivered round two of the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund, providing $200,000 in funding to deliver a Radioisotope Heating Unit Project.
- Progressed plans for the design and development of the Space Assembly, Integration and Test Facility at Lot Fourteen to support sovereign space manufacturing capability.
- Supported the 2024 space accelerator program Venture Catalyst Space, a globally recognised program dedicated to supporting startup founders to develop innovative, disruptive businesses in the international space sector.
- Supported eight South Australian participants to complete the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program.
- Supported the Andy Thomas Space Foundation to deliver the 17th Australian Space Forum at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Supported industry organisations including the Defence Teaming Centre, Australian Industry Defence Network and Andy Thomas Space Foundation who in turn support the development of industry and skills in their respective sectors.
- Engaged with hundreds of South Australian defence and space companies; local, state and federal governments and international governments and industry reaffirming South Australia’s reputation as the defence and space state.
- Maintained strong relationships with the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Submarine Agency, the Defence Science and Technology Group and other elements of the Department of Defence and Australian Government to understand the Defence user requirements to inform South Australia’s defence strategy.
- Maintained strong relationships with the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC and Defence Space Command to understand user needs and requirements to inform South Australia’s space strategy.
- Supported the three South Australian universities, including providing input into the establishment of the new Adelaide University. This included input into the development of strategic research themes in areas such as defence and national security, and advising on program structure and curriculum for selected defence and space programs.
Agency specific objectives and performance
Defence SA
| Agency objectives | Indicators | Performance |
| Establish supply chain
Support opportunities for export Support SMEs to leverage AUKUS Pillar II opportunities |
Establish a sustainable supply chain for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines by maximising local industry participation.
Support South Australian companies in entering supply chains for Hunter and other Defence programs. Support local industry to identify and develop opportunities for export through AUKUS and other Defence programs. Provide advocacy and support to maximise opportunities for local SMEs in national and international contracts. |
In September 2024 Defence SA hosted 67 exhibitors at the Land Forces International Defence Expo, representing significant growth for the event from just 12 exhibitors in 2010. The event provided an opportunity to explore supply chain opportunities in land, cyber and systems, information warfare, and guided weapons and explosive ordnance.
In March 2025, Defence SA hosted 60 local defence and space organisations at the Avalon Airshow, in what was a record attendance for the event. Delegates were able to explore opportunities across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and cyber security and intelligence, surveillance reconnaissance. Defence SA representatives also supported South Australian industry at international events including Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) in Norway in March 2025, Sea Air Space in Maryland in April 2025 and DSEI in Japan in May 2025. These events enabled companies to explore opportunities for both Pillar I and II and other Defence programs. Defence SA facilitated inbound and outbound missions providing South Australian defence industry with the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders across government and industry from the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Canada, Czech Republic and Slovenia. |
| Support the expansion of defence industry capability in South Australia | Manage utilisation of the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen. | As at 30 June 2025 the landing pad was at 73% capacity with eight companies utilising the facility. |
| Develop maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and strengthen the state’s role in the global market | Support Renewal SA and Defence on the construction of the 737 Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) | In September 2024 work commenced on the new $200 million DMMF which will support the maintenance and modification of the Australian Defence Force’s P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. |
| Support the Australian Defence Force | Support the establishment of the Army’s 10th Brigade and relocation of the 16th Regiment. | With the establishment of 10th Brigade to Edinburgh Defence Precinct, South Australia is establishing itself as the home to Australia’s long-range fires capability. |
| Foster cybersecurity resilience and innovation | Enhance local cybersecurity capabilities and operations. | Work commenced on plans for a pilot South Australian Defence Industry Cyber Capability Uplift Program for rollout in 2025-26 to support South Australian defence and space industry companies to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.
Defence SA supported the third Australian Space Cyber Forum in June 2025. |
| Promote defence industry capability | Highlight the scope of South Australian defence industry capability through strategic communications and marketing initiatives. | Defence SA delivered monthly e-newsletters (combined figure for Defence and Space e-newsletters).
Average open rate: 41.5% (government benchmark 28.77) Average click rate: 9.5% (government benchmark 3.99%) |
| Major event average exhibitor satisfaction rating of no lower than 80%. | Obtained an exhibitor satisfaction rating of 95% for Avalon and 100% for Land Forces. | |
| Increase social media reach | Social media followers for Defence SA channels (Facebook, LinkedIn and X) grew by 3,900 in 2024-25.
Social media followers for SASIC channels (Facebook, LinkedIn and X) grew by 1,836 in 2024-25. |
|
| Support the South Australian Workforce and Skills Taskforce | Deliver the Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase | In May 2025 Defence SA delivered the first ever dedicated Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase as part of the 2025 Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo. The event featured more than 20 leading defence and space companies, with the overarching event attended by more than 17,000 students, educators, and job seekers.
Defence SA also attended The Big Meet careers expo in March 2025. |
Defence Innovation Partnership
| 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. | Awarded two rounds of the Activator Fund, with $3.2 million in South Australian Government funding for collaborative projects, leveraging over $6 million in co-contributions from Department of Defence, universities and industry. Projects addressed the themes of ‘Understanding and countering influence’ and ‘Sensing and sensemaking systems.’
Funded four new Collaborative Research Fund projects in Round eight, leveraging $1.9 million co-contributions from Department of Defence, industry and universities. Completed five Collaborative Research Fund projects. |
| 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 second 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. | Strengthened relationships with potential collaborators and funding bodies in AUKUS countries United States and the United Kingdom, including a presence at major international trade shows such as the United States Navy League’s Sea Air Space, and industry visits in support of the South Australia-Maryland Memorandum of Understanding.
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 approximately 13% to a total of 5,894 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.
Supported Defence Science and Technology Group’s student conference, ‘DSTEM’, with targeted industry visits at Lot Fourteen. |
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 August 2024 in a national first, successfully launched and commissioned South Australia’s state owned and manufactured satellite, Kanyini. |
| Support South Australian space industry to engage with international partners. | In collaboration with the Defence Innovation Partnership, SASIC delivered round 2 of the South Australian Collaboration and Innovation Fund, awarding a local company $200,000 to fast-track the development of innovation space technology in partnership with an international company. | |
| Support the Andy Thomas Space Foundation in the delivery of the Australian Space Forum. | In July 2024, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation held the 17th edition of the Australin Space Forum. | |
| Attendance at key national and international events. | In July 2024 and May 2025 SASIC went to Japan to engage with industry and attend the SPACETIDE conference and the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability (July) and 2025 World Expo (May). This provided an opportunity to promote South Australia to a targeted audience within the Asia-Pacific region. SASIC also provided support to the six South Australian space companies who attended the World Expo in May.
In March 2025 SASIC attended the Avalon Air Show with its own presence for the first time, having previously attended on the Defence SA stand, highlighting the state’s space achievements and ongoing efforts to grow local industry. In June SASIC together with Invest SA, supported seven South Australian space companies to the US on an investment delegation tour. |
|
| Support networking, collaboration and growth of the local South Australian space sector. | SASIC continued its quarterly Space Townhall Series at Lot Fourteen, attracting guests from across industry, government and education sectors, providing an opportunity to share information, ideas and updates with the South Australian space community. | |
| Stimulating 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. | Plans continued to develop the $20 million space assembly integration and testing facility at Lot Fourteen’s new Innovation Centre. |
| Support Southern Launch to develop Whalers Way as an orbital launch site. | In November 2024 Southern Launch received final planning approval to develop the site at Whalers Way. | |
| 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. | In 2024 four companies completed the Venture Catalyst Space Program and six were engaged through the Australian Centre for Growth’s Space Ramp program. Six companies were engaged for the Venture Catalyst program in 2025, along with five growth ramp companies. |
| Support the development of a workforce talent pipeline across defence, cyber and space. | Sponsored and supported university initiatives including the delivery of the 2025 Australian Rover Challenge at the University of Adelaide. | |
| Increased rural, regional and public engagement in STEM. | Support the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) to deliver student engagement activities. | In Partnership with the Australian Space Agency, SASIC supported the ATSF to deliver the Kids in Space National Challenge involving schools across the country participating in a space themed technology-based design thinking project. |
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 Australian Institute of Management, South Australian Leadership Academy, IPAA, and the Defence Industry Leadership Program.
- Responded to all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within the legislated timeframe.
Employment opportunity programs
The agency’s recruitment policy requires that recruitment panels have some diversity to assist with unbiased consideration of applicants.
Each applicant is encouraged to inform the agency of any accessibility requirements so that they can be accommodated through recruitment, placement, induction and employment.
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’s current participant in the program commenced in February 2024. Studying a Bachelor of Economics, the participant is working within the Defence SA finance team. |
| Support for further study | The agency is supporting an employee, initially with 0.5 days per week study leave and subsequently on Leave Without Pay for 12 months to undertake PhD research on Family and Domestic Sexual Violence (FDSV) in military families. |
Agency performance management and development systems
| Performance management and development system | Performance |
| Chief Executive Performance Agreement. | The 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 2025, 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 2025, 87% 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. |
| Employee Assistance Program | The employee assistance program continues to provide support to employees with informal and confidential short term counselling services. |
| Workstation assessments | On a regular basis, the agency engages an occupational therapist to assess each employee’s workstation and accessibility requirements to ensure adjustments can be made, equipment provided or flexibility arranged. |
| Workplace injury claims | 2024-25 | 2023-24 | % 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 meeting the relevant threshold under the Return to Work Act 2014 (Part 2 Division 5)
| Work health and safety regulations | 2024-25 | 2023-24 | % 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** | 2024-25 | 2023-24 | % 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 2023-24 – Dataset – data.sa.gov.au
Executive employment in the agency
| Executive classification | Number of executives |
| EXEC0F | 1 |
| SAES1 | 7 |
Data for previous years is available at: Executives 2023-24 – 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 2024-2025 are attached to this report.
| Statement of Comprehensive Income | 2024-25 Budget
$000s |
2024-25 Actual
$000s |
Variation
$000s
|
2023-24 Actual
$000s |
| Total Income | $29,604 | $17,081 | $(12,523) | $18,614 |
| Total Expenses | $19,821 | $19,503 | $ 318 | $14,029 |
| Net Result | $ 9,783 | $ (2,422) | $(12,205) | $ 4,585 |
| Total Comprehensive Result | $ 9,783 | $ (2,422) | $(12,205) | $ 4,585 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 2024-25 Budget
$000s |
2024-25 Actual
$000s |
Variation
$000s
|
2023-24 Actual
$000s |
| Current assets | $ 3,442 | $12,422 | $8,980 | $15,332 |
| Non-current assets | $11,650 | $ 1708 | $(9,942) | $ 2,182 |
| Total assets | $15,092 | $14,130 | $( 962) | $17,514 |
| Current liabilities | $ 1,984 | $ 2172 | $( 188) | $ 2,909 |
| Non-current liabilities | $ 1,657 | $ 1,932 | $( 275) | $ 2,157 |
| Total liabilities | $ 3,641 | $ 4,104 | $( 463) | $ 5066 |
| Net assets | $ 11,451 | $10,026 | $(1,425) | $12,448 |
| Equity | $ 11,451 | $10,026 | $(1,425) | $12,448 |
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 |
| N/A | NIL |
Data for previous years is available at: Consultants 2023-24 – 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 | $19,672 |
Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each
| Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
| Ai Group Centre for Education | Management of Defence Industry Scholarship Program | $ 12,000 |
| Be Sustained | Delivery of veterans mentoring program | $ 50,000 |
| Defence Teaming Centre | Defence and Space Landing Pad concierge service | $ 47,307 |
| Digital Resilience | Internal audit services | $ 23,800 |
| Duck & Partners | Strategic advisory services | $ 19,683 |
| Flinders University | Research into veteran’s needs in SA | $ 50,000 |
| Furthermore Group | Business plan services | $ 10,000 |
| Hays Specialist Recruitment | Temporary Staff | $ 44,405 |
| Repat Foundation | Workshop facilitation | $ 38,000 |
| SmartSat CRC | Kanyini mission satellite development | $ 898,017 |
| Total | $ 1,193,212 |
Data for previous years is available at: Contractors 2023-24 – 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 2024.
Data for previous years is available at: Fraud Detection 2023-24 – 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 2023-24 – 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
2024-25 |
| 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: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/defence-sa-public-complaint-2023-24
| Not applicable |
Service Improvements
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 |
