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Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information2024-01-08T16:02:17+10:30

Information Statement

This statement is published in accordance with subsection 9(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (Act). Subject to certain restrictions, the Act gives members of the public a legally enforceable right to access information held by the South Australian Government. A comprehensive introduction to freedom of information can be found on the State Records website.

Structure and functions of Defence SA

Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence related matters and is a single point of contact for all defence stakeholders, streamlining their interaction across the South Australian Government. The agency captures valuable investment opportunities in the shipbuilding, defence science and research, information warfare and space domains.

The Defence SA Advisory Board provides high-level strategic advice to promote the growth of the defence industry in South Australia and plays a key role in guiding the state’s defence strategy.

Within Defence SA sits the Defence Innovation Partnership, South Australian Space Industry Centre and Veterans SA.

Defence Innovation Partnership – fosters collaboration and engagement between government, universities/research organisations and industry. The Defence Innovation Partnership helps deliver innovative solutions to Defence by creating connections between researchers, industry, and Defence; building and supporting defence-relevant collaborations through the Collaborative Research Fund; attracting research and development funding to South Australia; and supporting the translation of defence and national security research and development.

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.

Our functions, objectives and deliverables

Defence SA
  • Implementation of the Defence State Strategy 2030.
  • Maximising business opportunities by influencing 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 local research and development, infrastructure, and regulation with industry needs, in support of the Defence State Strategy 2030.
SASIC Implementation of the Space Strategy, by cultivating South Australia as a centre of gravity for space activities:

  • Building a capable workforce
  • Creating an innovating ecosystem
  • Establishing supportive infrastructure
  • Be globally competitive
  • Attracting investment

Public affect and participation in Defence SA

Defence SA’s mission is to continue maximising investment and jobs for the South Australian public from the Australian Defence Force and defence industries.

The main opportunity for public participation in the functions of the agency is through project-specific consultation programs managed by Defence SA or by third parties on behalf of Defence SA.

Description of the kinds of documents held by Defence SA

The documents held by Defence SA include, but are not limited to:

  • Corporate files containing correspondence, memoranda and minutes on all aspects of agency operations
  • Policies, procedures and guidelines prescribing the way various projects and programs are to be performed
  • Legal agreements
  • Personnel files relating to the agency’s employees
  • Accounting and financial reports relating to the running of Defence SA.

While most documents can be supplied in hard copy, it should be noted that some documents are only available electronically. Access to such documents can be arranged upon application.

Please note the listing of these categories does not automatically mean all documents are accessible in full or in part under the Act.

Internal Policy Documents

To access any of the following policy documents contact the Accredited FOI officer, Defence SA, Phone (08) 8463 7140 or via email enquiries@defencesa.com

  • Working from Home Policy
  • Domestic Travel Policy
  • Overseas Travel Policy
  • Finance Policy and Procedure Manual
  • Procurement Policy
  • Fraud and Corruption Control Policy
  • Bona-Fide & Leave Review Procedure
  • Motor Vehicle Policy
  • Gifts & Benefits Management Policy
  • Fixed Assets & Attractive Items Policy
  • Social Media Policy
  • Social Media Guidelines
  • Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
  • Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
  • Business Continuity Plan
  • WHS Policy
  • Protective Security Policy
  • Cyber Security Policy
  • Leave Policy
  • Grievance Resolution Policy
  • Performance Management and Development Policy

Making an application

In accordance with the Act, applications for access to documents held by Defence SA must:

  • Be made in writing – you may choose to write a letter or use the application form;
  • Specify that the application is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1991;
  • Be accompanied by a $40.75 application fee (exemptions apply for Members of Parliament and pensioners or health card holders);
  • Specify an address in Australia to which information can be sent;
  • Clearly identify the documents being sought or the matter to which they pertain;
  • Specify whether the documents contain information of a personal nature, and;
  • Specify the desired type of access to the document, such as inspection of the document at an arranged location or having a copy made.

Applications under the Act should be forwarded to:

The Accredited FOI Officer
Defence SA
Level 4, 151 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: (08) 8463 7140
Email: enquiries@defencesa.com

Freedom of Information Proactive Disclosure log

The Government has committed to the establishment of disclosure logs for all government agencies to provide central access to non-personal information that has been released under the Act.

Under Premier and Cabinet Circular PC045 – Disclosure Logs for Non-Personal Information Released through FOI, State Government agencies that fall within the scope must maintain disclosure logs for non-personal information that has been released to an applicant under the Act after 1 October 2017 as per the below.

Date of Determination Agency Ref Application Summary Access to Docs
26 Jun 23 A5891452 All documentation regarding Defence SA’s internal complaints process. Full access to 1 document granted.
27 Jul 23 A5936471

(18055263)

 Copy of most recent work plan showing progress against election commitments. Transferred in Full to PDU.
13 Sep 23 A5981303

(18218980)

 Documents relating to referral of FOI 18055263 to the PDU. Full access to 27 documents and Partial access to 1 document.

Date of Determination Agency Ref Application Summary Access to Docs
14 Feb 22 A5289463 Documents sent to/from Saab/Bofors Dynamics/any related Saab subsidiary and Defence SA regarding the discovery of a missile at Lake Hart West in January.  Copies of all correspondence sent to/from, the Federal Defence department regarding the discovery of a missile at Lake Hart West in January 2021. (1 Jan 21 to 13 Jan 22). Full access to 1 document and partial access to 3 documents granted.
6 Apr 22 A5359261 Copies of all representations made to the government that argue against amending the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk to include “Thailand” on the paving of the Walk. All correspondence between Defence SA, Department of Premier and Cabinet and City of Adelaide regarding the inclusion of Thailand on the paving of the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk. (1 Mar 21 – 6 Mar 22) Full access to 3 documents and partial access to 20 documents granted.
30 May 22 A5424536 Documents mentioning or related to the company known as “DroneShield”. (17 Mar 18 – 22 Mar 22) Partial access to 4 documents granted.
10 Jun 22 A5424635 Documents mentioning or related to the firm of Pyne and Partners, Hon. Christopher Pyne or Mr. Adam Howard. (17 Mar 18 – 22 Mar 18) Full access to 9 documents and partial access to 13 documents granted.
29 Aug 22 A5553900 All minutes of the Southern Launch Taskforce, from its establishment in 2018 until the present, or until the most recent meeting. Partial access to 18 documents granted.
19 Oct 22 A5368722 All Audit Management Letters and their corresponding audit reports from the 30 June 2022 Auditor-General’s Department Audit Period. Full access to 2 documents and partial access to 1 document granted.

Date of Determination Agency Reference Application Summary Access to Documents
 29 March 2021  A4847811 All documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, internal discussion papers, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) in relation to the Government’s bid to retain the future submarine program (25 March 2018 – 2 March 2021). No documents found that fall within the scope of the request
 31 March 2021 A4847357 All documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, internal discussion papers, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) referencing the number of local jobs created by Noske Kaesar and Engie Axima since opening their manufacturing facility in South Australia. Full access to 1 document and partial access to 1 document granted.
 28 April 2021 A4845808 Documents referencing the number of local jobs created by the Future Frigate project. (25 March 2018 – 2 March 2021) Full access to 17 documents and partial access to 47 documents granted.
29 September 2021 A5157864 All documents regarding the proposed construction of nuclear submarines and the impact of the AUKUS alliance on Naval Shipbuilding in South Australia. (10 June 2021 – 29 September 2021) Full Access to 4 documents, Partial Access to 12
22 October 2021 A5184173 All documents / contracts entered in or proposed to Defence SA that involve Mr Geoff Rohrsheim entities including Charmonix IT Solutions also including any unsolicited proposals. 18 October 2018 – 22 October 2021 Partial Access to 11 documents
23 November 2021 A5220924 Copies of all credit card statements for credit cards held by all Executive Assistants/Personal Assistants in the Office of Chief Executive for Defence SA and copies of re-imbursements paid to the Chief Executive for Defence SA. Full Access to 1 document and Partial Access to 1 document.

Date of Determination Agency Reference Application Summary Access to Documents
10 March 2020 A4026349 Copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to hard copy or electronic briefings, minutes, reports, emails, letters, meeting agendas, diary entries, event attendance records and any other correspondence) either to or from (directly or indirectly) officials, employees or contractors to all SA government departments, agencies or Statutory bodies, Members of Parliament, the Premier or Ministers of the Crown and their personal staff, members or the public, owners and employees of businesses or commercial operations, officials or elected members of Local Government, regarding the Veterans Ministerial Council Full access granted to 5 documents and partial access to 4 documents granted.

Date of Determination Agency Reference Application Summary Access to Documents
07 June 2019 A4026347 For the period 1 October 2014 to 31 October 2014 copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) relating to the submarine and shipbuilding summit held in Adelaide on 21 October 2014, including; 1. Submissions and papers presented to the summit 2. Summaries of the summit 3. The SA submission to the Defence White Paper on industry policy. Scope renegotiated.

Full access granted to 24 documents and partial access to 24 documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
05 July 2019 A4026349 Since 26 November 2018, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) that relate to; (a) the implementation of the Defence Industry Employment Program for Ex-Service Personnel. (b) the agreement between the Defence Teaming Centre and Defence SA to partner on delivering the program (c) proposed public events in May 2019 to promote the program. Full access granted to 58 documents and partial access to 58 documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
06 September 2019 A4131144 Copies of all correspondence between Mr Andrew Cave and Veterans SA. Access refused.
11 September 2019 A4134206 (a) Since 17 March 2018 to 13 Aug 2019, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) that relate to the retention of Full Cycle Docking of Collins Class submarines in South Australia, particularly reports and submissions to the Commonwealth Government and its agencies. (b) Since 1 July 2018 briefings on Western Australia’s Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan and Western Australia’s annual Indo-Pacific Defence Conference in 2018 and 2019. Full access granted to 18 documents and partial access to 54 documents granted. Access denied to 10 documents.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
23 September 2019 A4146385 All briefings, memos and any related documents regarding Defence SA efficiency measures and all briefings, memos and any related documents regarding the consolidation of functions to refocus on core services of Defence SA. Full access granted to 6 documents and partial access to 9 documents granted. Access denied to 11 documents.

Date of Determination Agency Reference Application Summary Access to Documents
24 April 2018 fA645648 Any and all incoming government brief (including but not limited to physical or electronic briefs, emails and any other correspondence) from or for any entity forming part of the organisational structure of the agency, including the Chief Executive, the Minister or any of the Minister’s staff. Access refused.
25 May 2018 A3586407 Since 17 March 2018, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic or written briefs, minutes, emails, and any other documents) which lists or provides the name and position title of all senior Human Resources staff within the agency. Access refused, scope renegotiated.
28 May 2018 A3593108 Since 17 March 2018, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) which lists all departmental staff who have been allocated as the primary contact for the Minister or the Minister’s staff or the Minister’s office. Access refused, scope renegotiated.
04 June 2018 A3590498 Since 17 March 2018, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written advice and briefs, minutes, emails and any other correspondence) regarding analysis of the Federal Budget impact on defence and defence industries. Full access to four documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
25 June 2018 A3621173 Since 17 March 2018, copies of any and all documents (including but not limited to physical, electronic, or written briefs, minutes, emails, diary entries and any other correspondence) that relate to correspondence to the Premier, DefenceSA or related parties from J&H Williams and its representative Craig Williams. Full access to five documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
10 July 2018 A3666041 A list of all Freedom of Information requests received from the Liberal Opposition between 17 March 2014 and 16 March 2018. Scope renegotiated.

Access granted.
13 December 2018 A3830275 Since 17 March 2018, copies of any and all documents regarding a proposal for a marketing campaign to increase the general public’s understanding of defence projects and job opportunities, and to continue to strengthen the state’s standing as the Defence State and copies of any and all documents regarding the assessment of and awarding of a $150,000 contract for a marketing campaign to increase the general public’s understanding of defence projects and job opportunities, and to continue to strengthen the state’s standing as the Defence State. Partial access to 52 documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.

Date of Determination Agency Reference Application Summary Access to Documents
26 October 2017 fA615406 Access to all correspondence (emails, briefing notes, etc.) between representatives of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and media/communications staff within Defence SA regarding social media promotion for the period of 1 January 2014 until present. Full access to five documents granted.

For access to these documents, please contact Defence SA.
26 October 2017 fA615407 Access to all documents relating to the budget and actual spend of social media promotion by Defence SA for the 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18 periods. No Documents found.

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