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The 2019 Department for Education annual report is on this page. You can also download the department's 2019 Annual Report (PDF 3.9MB)
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Department for Education
Education Centre, 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide 5000
Postal address: GPO Box 1152, Adelaide SA 5001
https://www.education.sa.gov.au
Contact phone number: (08) 8226 1000
Free call: 1800 088 158
Contact email: education.customers@sa.gov.au
ISSN: 1835-1530
Date presented to Minister: 31 March 2020
To: The Hon John Gardner, Minister for Education
This annual report is to be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, and the Education Act 1972 and meets the requirements of Premier and Cabinet Circular PC013 Annual Reporting.
This report is verified to be accurate for the purposes of annual reporting to the Parliament of South Australia.
Submitted on behalf of the Department for Education by: Rick Persse, Chief Executive
From the Chief Executive
2019 was the second year of our 10 year plan to make South Australia’s public education system one of the best in the world.
We continued our focus on achieving growth for every child, in every class, in every school and implemented several connected system-wide reforms aimed at improving the education outcomes for students in classrooms across the state.
We have only just begun and have a long way to go, but we are already seeing encouraging signs.
Our 2019 NAPLAN results showed a level of improvement in student learning greater than 2018. Our Aboriginal students were particularly successful, improving in reading and writing at a faster rate than their non-Aboriginal peers, supported by the implementation of our new Aboriginal Education strategy.
In the classroom we continued our focus on literacy and numeracy, which are the foundations for learning and ultimately the key to unlock all other areas of the curriculum.
Orbis, our new professional learning academy was launched during 2019, offering our teachers access to some of the best professional learning opportunities that are anchored in the South Australian context. There were 100 graduates in our inaugural year and our programs for 2020 are fully subscribed.
We continued to rollout our internet connectivity program for schools. More than 360 sites are now benefiting from high-speed, reliable internet, opening up a world of opportunities for teachers and students to collaborate online, access useful online tools and provide more engaging and informative learning.
We have also piloted our new Education Management System (EMS), which represents the biggest upgrade of curriculum and school administration systems in more than 20 years and presents a significant opportunity to modernise the way we work.
Plans for 3 new schools in Angle Vale, Aldinga and Whyalla were released. We also continued our program of facility upgrades and improvements to schools across the state.
Our dedicated team of more than 30,000 people continues to work tirelessly to support South Australian children, young people and their families. I acknowledge and thank all for their hard work, and look forward to another successful year in 2020.
Rick Persse
Chief Executive
Department for Education
Overview – about the agency
Our strategic focus
Our Purpose | The Department for Education provides integrated, high-quality services to South Australian children and young people across early childhood, education and training. We support young South Australians from the day they are born through their transition to adulthood, in all communities. We also provide oversight of TAFE SA and higher education policy support to the Minister for Education. | |
Our Vision | To build a stronger future by making our state’s education system world-class. | |
Our Values | We embrace the values of the South Australian public sector: | |
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Our functions, objectives and deliverables | Our 5 key priorities for South Australia’s children and young people are:
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Further information about our strategic plan can be found on our website.
Our organisational structure
- Early Years and Child Development
- Finance and Funding
- Information and Communications Technology Services
- Infrastructure
- Learning Improvement
- Office of the Chief Executive
- Partnerships, Schools and Preschools
- People and Culture
- Strategic Policy and External Relations
- System Performance
Further information about our organisational structure is available on our website.
Changes to the agency
During 2018-19 there were the following changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes:
- Transfer of responsibility for administering the History Trust of South Australia, Carclew Youth Arts, Windmill Theatre Company and Patch Theatre from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet
- Transfer of responsibility for the administration of budget and support functions of Higher Education and prudential oversight of TAFE SA from the Department of State Development
Our Minister
Hon John Gardner MP is the Minister for Education. Minister Gardner is responsible for Education and Child Development, Higher Education and Skills – TAFE functions.
Our executive team
| Anne Millard | Executive Director, Partnerships, Schools and Preschools |
| Ben Temperly | Executive Director, System Performance |
| Bronwyn Milera | Director, Aboriginal Education |
| Caroline Croser-Barlow | Project Director, Year 7 to High School |
| Chris Bernardi | Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer |
| Julieann Riedstra | Chief Operating Officer |
| Karen Weston | Executive Director, Early Years and Child Development |
| Laura Schonfeldt | Executive Director, People and Culture |
| Leah Manuel | Director, Communications |
| Peta Smith | Executive Director, Strategic Policy and External Relations |
| Rick Persse | Chief Executive |
| Ross Treadwell | Executive Director, Infrastructure |
| Scott Bayliss | Executive Director, Chief Information Officer |
| Susan Cameron | Executive Director, Learning Improvement |
Legislation administered by the agency
Children’s Services Act 1985
Children's Services (Appeals) Regulations 2008
Children's Services (Registered Children's Services Centres) Regulations 2003
Education Act 1972
Education Regulations 2012
Other related agencies (within the Minister’s areas of responsibility)
Australian Children’s Performing Arts Company (Windmill Theatre Co)
Carclew Youth Arts
Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee
Child Development Council
Commissioner for Children and Young People
Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Funds Board of Advice
Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and Standards Board of South Australia (Education Standards Board)
History Trust of South Australia
Ministerial Advisory Committee: Children and Students with Disability
Multicultural Education and Languages Committee
SACE Board of South Australia
TAFE SA
Teachers Registration Board of South Australia
The Guardian for Children and Young People
The department also has relationships with numerous independent agencies and entities. The nature of these relationships vary according to the individual agency or entity but may involve the department providing administrative, or secretariat support, working in strategic partnership, managing registration and compliance, administering funding directly or on-passing funds such as state and Australian Government grants to nongovernment school authorities (also refer to page 9 in the ‘Notes to and forming part of the administered financial statements’).
The agency's performance
Performance at a glance
The department is committed to implementing a range of strategies, programs and initiatives to achieve our objectives in line with our purpose, vision and strategic goals.
Highlights for the 2019 year include:
- improvements in NAPLAN mean scores, with South Australia’s results having improved against the Australian average in 15 of the 20 test domains compared to 2018.
- improvements in year 1 phonics screening check results, with 52% of year 1 students scoring at or above the expected achievement level, a significant improvement from 43% in 2018.
- our Future Leaders Initiative, which aims to identify and develop aspiring leaders so they can progress to principal or preschool director positions, was nationally recognised in 2 prestigious industry awards in 2019.
- continued support for student learning outcomes with the release of our second series of school improvement resources in September.
- the One Plan project has continued during 2019, with almost 20,000 One Plans now recorded online. More than 900 professional development sessions have been conducted in 2019 and resources have been developed to help staff develop a quality One Plan.
- Adelaide Botanic High School delivered its first year of classes in 2019. The new school was delivered on time and on budget and has won multiple prestigious building awards.
- commenced upgrades and improvements as part of our $1.3 billion investment to improve school facilities across the state, support sustainable enrolment growth in government schools and transition year 7 into high school.
- introduced a new functional needs-based funding model for South Australian government preschool and school students with disability. The new online Inclusive Education Support Program (IESP) application form has removed administrative burden, allowing more focus on the planning and implementation of inclusive learning programs.
- received a record number of nominations in the Public Education Awards – a testament to the great work that’s happening in schools and preschools across South Australia.
Agency contribution to whole of Government objectives
Key objective | Agency’s contribution |
More jobs | VET for school students reforms Entrepreneurial Education International Education A new technical college Investment in capital works |
Lower costs | Student fee waived for regional visa 457 and 482 holders School Card assistance provided to 57,803 South Australian government students |
Better Services | Literacy Guarantee Year 7 to high school Improving SACE Improved internet for schools Inclusive Education Support Program (IESP) Bullying prevention Tough approach to truancy Languages in Schools Aboriginal Education Music Education |
Agency specific objectives and performance
Agency objectives | Indicators | Performance |
Challenging Learning | ||
Literacy and Numeracy | Effectively deliver the phonics screening check for year 1 students. | All year 1 students participated in a phonics screening check in August 2019. 1,800 teachers and school leaders participated in phonics screening check professional learning. |
Develop preschool guidebook resources in literacy and numeracy to support best-practice teaching. | Preschool literacy and numeracy guidebooks developed and available to preschool leaders. | |
Expand the reach and scope of the Thinking Maths professional learning program for teachers. | 278 schools participated in Thinking Maths programs. 73 Thinking Maths graduates leading change in the field. 4 new Thinking Maths programs developed and piloted for full implementation in 2020. | |
Build capacity of principals, directors and literacy leaders to lead world-class practice in preschools and schools. Build capacity of teachers to provide world-class literacy teaching in schools and preschools. | 1,600 literacy leaders attended the 2019 Literacy Summit. 1,125 educators and literacy leaders attended across 3 Literacy Guarantee Conferences. Literacy coaching delivered to educators in regional areas. 97 schools directly supported by literacy coaches. | |
Develop and deliver programs and resources for English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) educators, leaders and students. | 400 educators participated in EALD professional learning through the EALD Hub and Intensive English Language Program conferences. 21,826 students across 327 schools supported through EALD funding. | |
Reinvigorating the study of languages in SA schools | Quality teaching and learning support to language teachers and students to help increase the access, retention and completion of students studying languages. | A Languages Professional Learning Program delivered to 174 teachers from 44 schools across the state, and ethnic schools in South Australia in 2019. School of Languages offered school holiday programs for SACE students to increase their oral proficiency in April and July 2019, which will again be offered in 2020. Languages offered include Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German, Indonesian, French and Spanish. Open Access College added a SACE Stage 1 Indonesian (beginners) class and a SACE Stage 2 Indonesian (continuers) class to their course offerings in 2019. 17 individual language teachers and more than 100 language students have undertaken or will undertake language study tours in 2019/2020 as part of the language scholarships program. |
School Improvement Model | 100% adoption in schools of the relevant aspects of the School Improvement Model. 100% translation of the relevant aspects of the School Improvement Model into preschool settings. | There was a 100% delivery of school improvement plans to education directors with subsequently high levels of implementation support for principals. All preschool directors were supported to draft their preschool quality improvement plans in preparation for 2020 implementation. |
International Education Strategy | Develop and launch the International Education Strategy 2019-2029. Marketing and promoting SA public schools in key source markets. | The International Education Strategy was launched in June 2019. Marketing and promoting SA public schools has included an in-market visit to Vietnam by selected school principals, implementation of a Chinese digital strategy and updating of marketing and school guidance materials. |
International Baccalaureate | To provide more opportunities for students to gain the internationally recognised and highly regarded IB certificate. | The 4 public schools selected in 2018 to become International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) accredited have progressed towards accreditation and successfully met all accreditation milestones required to be on track to deliver the IBDP program in 2022. |
STEM learning strategy | Build expertise in designing and delivering STEM learning. | STEM Quest on-line professional learning program for early years educators launched to all preschools and schools. 408 primary teachers from 195 schools participated in the STEM 500 professional learning program. |
Engage students in STEM education. | Aboriginal Learners in STEM Congress event held for 487 students from 140 schools, supported by 380 teachers, parents and Aboriginal STEM experts. STEM Student scholarships awarded to 65 Aboriginal and low SES students (19 males and 46 females). | |
Develop and promote models of best practice for STEM school-industry partnerships. | Published and promoted a guide to establishing STEM School-Industry engagement in South Australia. Established a dedicated online environment showcasing best practice in STEM school-industry engagement. | |
Entrepreneurial education | Young South Australians will develop the entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and attitudes that will create and contribute to the evolving global economy. | Banksia Park International High School, Seaton High School, Heathfield High School, Murray Bridge High School and Mount Gambier High School are the 5 specialist schools leading the Entrepreneurial Learning Strategy. Over 300 enrolments in the specialist programs at the 5 entrepreneurial schools commenced in term 1, 2020. |
Learning, Design Assessment and Moderation | The strategy focused on improving teachers' use of formative assessment to design learning based on the relevant curriculum that engages and intellectually challenges every student. Resources were provided to guide the professional learning and site-based improvement work. | All schools collaboratively moderated and reflected against the Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards, the Early Years Learning framework and the Indicators of Preschool Numeracy and Literacy. Full-year professional learning programs were also developed and provided to:
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More flexible apprenticeship pathways | Increased numbers of students undertake Australian school based apprenticeships via the flexible apprenticeships model. | Over 150 flexible apprenticeships commenced in 2019 in the areas of Horticulture, Aged Care, Cyber Security, Automotive, Commercial Cookery, Viticulture, Landscaping, Individual Support and Construction. |
Music Education Strategy 2019 – 2029 | To provide children and young people with access to high quality music education. | 52 applicants received a share in almost $445,000 of grant funding from the Music Innovation Fund. 4 music education field officers were appointed to be embedded in networks of schools and preschools, supported centrally. |
Quality People | ||
Future Leaders Initiatives | High potential, aspiring leaders are identified to accelerate their development for roles as principals or preschool directors. The programs sought to increase the number of placements into tenured and acting leadership roles. | 195 participants since 2017, 88 have won tenured or acting leadership roles. 96 participants in 2019, 9 were placed in tenured roles and 2 in acting leadership roles. |
Employee Psychological Health and Wellbeing | Implement the Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing procedure and psychosocial risk survey. Undertake proactive wellbeing checks to identify and assist employees who are at a higher risk of psychological compromise. | The employee wellbeing program ‘myWellbeing’ was launched on 31 October 2019. Following the launch 1968 employees had accessed the resource and 1057 had completed health and wellness assessments. |
Strong Engagement | ||
Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029 | Aboriginal students are supported to be proud and confident learners achieving at their highest potential. | The department has partnered with the Clontarf Foundation to pilot a program of engagement and mentoring of Aboriginal boys. The department continues to work with the Narungga Nation to implement the education components of the Buthera Agreement. |
Examine opportunities for improved pedagogy in early childhood education settings. | A series of workshops were conducted for an action research project examining how educators enact culturally responsive pedagogy in 6 early learning sites engaging with Reggio Emilia education principles, with a final report due in early 2020. | |
Strengthen the delivery of the Aboriginal histories and cultures across the curriculum, starting with science elaborations. | The SA Aboriginal Contexts in Science initiative was launched on 19 August 2019 and professional learning has commenced. Collaboration with Elders and community from selected Aboriginal Nations and documenting science knowledge are underway for teaching resources and digitised cultural materials to support SA science teachers. | |
Ensure all Aboriginal students are considered in schools’ improvement planning processes. | The Aboriginal learner achievement leaders’ resource and quality tools were launched on 10 September 2019 to complement the school improvement planning cycle, followed by pre-implementation strategies and activities with local education teams to prepare for 2020. | |
Develop detailed individual learning plans for Aboriginal children and young people. | As at 9 December 2019 there were 7,032 One Plans (published and draft online personalised learning plans) for Aboriginal learners out of a total of 14,248 students that identify as Aboriginal. This is a 300% increase in the number of online One Plans for Aboriginal learners compared with the end of 2018. | |
Expand opportunities for children and young people to engage with Aboriginal languages and culture through observation and experience. | Aboriginal Languages Programs Initiatives grants were provided to 34 schools to teach 7 Aboriginal languages to a projected 5100 students during 2020, an increase from 2019 for 28 schools to teach 6 languages to 3820 students. | |
Increase the resources, professional learning, support and pathways for Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language and culture. | Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language and culture professional learning and support has included:
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Implement an online professional development resource and capability framework for teachers of Aboriginal students for whom English is an additional language or dialect. | The ‘Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) Hub’ went live in November 2019. 6 coaches have been recruited to work in focus schools and supporting resources have been distributed. | |
Expand the Workabout program to support Aboriginal young people in Port Lincoln, Murraylands, southern and western metropolitan regions to make a successful transition from study to employment, training or further education. | The Workabout program was expanded to 3 additional regions (south and western Adelaide and Port Lincoln), further providing Aboriginal students with the skills to make successful transitions. Recruitment is underway to support the Workabout program in Murraylands. | |
Negotiate job and traineeship pathways for Aboriginal young people with employers, and identify required school based training and preparation. | Suitable local Primary/Area Schools have been identified for flexible traineeship education support placements. 14 applications from students were received following an expression of interest process. Successful applicants will be advised in 2020. | |
Expand the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy from 16 to 21 academies to support students in the far north, south east, Adelaide hills, eastern metropolitan and Paralowie regions. In addition create an Aboriginal women’s AFL and a mixed Aboriginal basketball academy. | 5 additional South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) school-based academies have been established (far north, Flinders, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier and Paralowie). 2 new sports based academies have been established, focusing on basketball and women’s AFL. | |
Develop an Aboriginal workforce plan that will inform future staff strategies and targets. | A review of policies, practices and initiatives relating to the Aboriginal workforce plan and regular key stakeholder meetings to inform the development of the plan and targets were conducted. | |
Develop a culturally responsive framework to establish standards, develop awareness, and develop the cultural responsiveness of educators in improving practice and learning outcomes for Aboriginal students. | Examination has been underway into how the system is demonstrating cultural responsiveness, to inform further consultation and the development of a culturally responsive framework focusing on developing a culturally responsive workforce. | |
Student attendance | A range of key actions are introduced in Attendance Matters, the department’s attendance strategy to:
| A pilot social media campaign was conducted in 2019 to promote the importance of school attendance. The evaluation of the pilot will inform a broader state-wide social media campaign. For the small number of students in care identified as not attending full-time and not enrolled in alternative learning programs, planning has been undertaken to re-engage them and provide support services. A pilot for a Family Group Conferencing model in education commenced in 2019 to address individual cases of chronic non-attendance. The pilot is a partnership with the Youth Court and the Department for Child Protection. The number of truancy officers has been increased by 11 FTE, taking the total number of positions up to 33 FTE. |
Anti-bullying | Measures are developed which address all types of bullying, including cyber bullying and non-physical forms of harassment. | The state bullying prevention strategy ‘Connected – a community approach to bullying prevention within the school gates and beyond’ was launched on 15 August 2019. The strategy has been developed by the Department for Education through the South Australian Bullying Prevention Coalition, which includes Catholic and Independent school sectors, the Commissioner for Children and Young People, government departments and leading bullying prevention researchers. The Department for Education continues to fund a number of programs to address bullying. These include:
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Parent engagement | Resources are developed to support our work with families who play the most important role as their child’s first teacher. | A parent engagement framework has been developed to support improved parent engagement practice in our education system. The framework informs professional development for teachers and an online parent resource which provides parents with a range of ideas, tips and strategies to help them support their children's learning in the home. |
VET in Schools | More young people will consider skilled careers in vocational areas and trades, supporting skills shortages in priority industry areas. | A state-wide VET for School Students Policy was released in October 2019 which aims to introduce clear articulated pathways, enhanced career education and improve student outcomes of VET pathways for South Australian school students, and reflects the important role VET plays in skilling our workforce and supporting economic growth. The Policy will be implemented in 2020 and represents a significant shift in how VET is delivered in some secondary schools. A new VET Innovation Award for schools was introduced to the 2019, South Australian Training Awards, to encourage VET pathways and innovative approaches to VET in schools. Edward John Eyre High School was the inaugural winner of this Award in 2019. |
Better Support | ||
Digital strategy
| Every public school and preschool, teacher, child and student will have access to high-speed reliable and safe internet. The opportunity for other government agencies and school sectors to leverage of this investment in connectivity across the state. | The Schools With Internet Fibre Technologies (SWiFT) connectivity program will provide all schools, regardless of location, quality internet services with the capacity needed to meet modern education requirements. By the end of the 2019 school year 361 schools were connected to the Fibre network. The remainder of the schools will be completed by July 2020 as part of an $80 million partnership with Telstra. In December 2019 the department entered a $50 million partnership with Telstra for Stage 2 of the project to provide targeted ICT equipment, software and services to schools to maximise their new high-speed internet connections. A key inclusion is the extension of the SWiFT program to also provide high-speed internet services to all preschools and children’s centres ensuring consistent access to high performance internet services. |
Year 7 to High School | Establish pilot schools to teach year 7 in high school from 2020 and incorporate learnings into project. Run pilot recruitment process for new teaching positions in pilot schools to test principles of workforce strategy. Consult with regional communities about how the move of year 7 impacts country schools and families. Year 7 public school students will be taught in high school from term 1, 2022. | More than 350 families enrolled to take part in pilot program in 2020 at Mitcham Girls High School, Wirreanda Secondary School and John Pirie Secondary School. Recruitment for new teaching positions in pilot schools undertaken with 47% vacancies filled by teachers from primary schools. Consultation with regional communities undertaken and regional transitional arrangements developed to support these communities. |
Substance abuse in schools | Effective, evidence based healthy living and substance abuse prevention programs are made available to all children. | The department’s commitment to addressing substance abuse in schools includes funded delivery of effective, preventative alcohol and other drug education in South Australian schools provided by Life Education SA, Encounter Youth and The Sammy D Foundation (to complement curriculum). The department promotes the Australian Government’s Positive Choices Portal and referral pathways for teachers and families. During 2019, the department updated the procedure for handling alcohol and other drug related incidents in schools and developed a protocol with SAPOL to enable schools to more easily access police drug detection dogs in schools. |
Education Management System (EMS) | Provide better support for schools, staff, students, parents and guardians. Better management of student enrolments and transitions through schooling within the public education sector. Access to a world-class learning management system to support teaching and learning. | The EMS was successfully piloted in 10 schools and preschools (across a mix of socio economic, regional and metropolitan areas and site types) over terms 1 and 2 of 2019. The rollout strategy will first commence with preschools in term 2, 2020. A select group of 5 primary and 5 secondary schools will also be considered to receive the EMS in term 3, 2020 in preparation for an accelerated rollout commencing in 2021. |
Universal Access to quality early childhood education | 95% of South Australian children including vulnerable and disadvantaged children, have access to, and participate in, an affordable quality early childhood education program. | South Australia continues to exceed the enrolment target with children enrolled in 600 hours of quality government or non-government preschool education in their year before full time school. |
Family Day Care (FDC) | Sustainability and viability of Family Day Care is improved. | The department received grant funding from the Australian Government of $2.1 million over three years from 1 July 2018 to improve the viability and sustainability of Family Day Care in South Australia. The funds are being used to improve quality and compliance systems, build a suite of marketing and promotions materials, provide focused skills development for staff and educators, establish a quality and compliance framework and consider technological opportunities to improve business practices. |
Preschool | Support continuous improvement of department preschools against the National Quality Standard. | As at 31 December 2019, 98% of department preschools assessed and rated were meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) with 79% of these rated as Exceeding NQS. |
National Education Priority reforms | South Australia is compliant with commitments in National School Reform Agreement and supporting bilateral agreement. | Compliance against national policy initiatives in the National School Reform Agreement will be reported to COAG in 2020; South Australia is delivering on all bilateral agreement policy commitments. |
NAPLAN Online | Transition the second cohort of schools to NAPLAN Online. | In 2019 students in 419 government schools and 129 non-government schools sat the NAPLAN assessments online. Students in years 5, 7, and 9 completed all assessments online. Students in year 3 completed all but the writing assessment online. |
Targeted Resources | ||
Capital investment | Expand capacity for the year 7 transition to high school in 2022 and demographic growth, and to deliver modern, new, improved and expanded learning areas to support student learning. | Upgrades to 99 schools are underway with the first projects anticipated to commence construction in February 2020. High schools have been prioritised to ensure additional capacity is completed for the year 7 transition to high school in 2022. |
Delivering modern, new, improved and expanded learning areas to support student learning. | In 2018-19, the state government has overseen completion of approximately $160m worth of major capital works projects, including the Adelaide Botanic High School and a range of site upgrades and amalgamations. | |
Delivering 2 B-12 schools that support contemporary pedagogy and innovative teaching to address public school availability for predicted population growth in Angle Vale and Aldinga. | PPP New Schools Project - Angle Vale and Aldinga In August 2019, the project received approval from the Public Works Committee. In December 2019, the tender and evaluation process was completed, the project contract was signed and the successful Proponent was announced. Construction is to commence early to mid-2020 with the schools to open for term 1 2022. | |
Delivering a new contemporary, environmentally sustainable 7-12 school that supports contemporary pedagogy and innovative teaching, allowing three existing schools to amalgamate onto one site. | New Whyalla Secondary School In December 2019, the project received approval from the Public Works committee. Building contract to be signed in February 2020. Construction is to commence in early to mid-2020 with the school to open for term 1 2022. | |
School buses in regional areas | School students have fair access to school buses in regional areas. | A working group, consisting of senior officers from the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), and the Department for Education, is undertaking a review of school buses in regional areas. |
A new Technical College | The new college will support young South Australians to develop skills so they are well equipped for careers in defence, shipbuilding and other maritime industries. | Selection processes were conducted against the selection criteria supported by an industry assessment panel. A formal announcement on the successful applicant is expected to occur in 2020. |
Review of disability funding | Introduce a funding model that supports the learning of students with disability. | A simpler approach to supporting mainstream preschool and school students with disability has been adopted with the commencement of the Department for Education’s Inclusive Education Support Program (IESP). As at September 2019, $198.2 million of IESP funding was allocated to schools and preschools. |
Corporate performance summary
During the 2019 calendar year, the department has contributed towards a number of corporate initiatives. These include:
- achieved savings by creating efficiencies in office space planning and relinquishing office accommodation space
- implemented a range of system and operational improvements (including a new case management approach and increased offer of mediation services) enabling more detailed capture and reporting of education complaints
- launched the new myWellbeing Centre, a health and wellbeing portal that gives every employee 24/7 access to a wealth of information and activities to enhance their wellbeing
- transformed paper-based HR forms to an online electronic process, as part of the Digital Process Improvement Project
- launched edIT, a new, online self-service portal enabling many ICT services to be requested digitally and online.
Employment opportunity programs
Program name | Performance |
Traineeship and Graduate program | 16 trainees were appointed from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. 6% of trainees appointed were of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. 12 trainees and 4 graduates completed their placements. 50% of the trainees were appointed into ongoing positions across the agency. |
Amy Levai Aboriginal teaching scholarships | 32 Aboriginal people were supported, including 29 pre-service teachers (14 are department staff) and 3 senior secondary students. 5 of the 29 pre-service teachers graduated during this period and commenced teaching in SA government schools in 2019. |
Agency performance management and development systems
Performance management and development system | Performance |
The performance and development approach is guided by two documents, the Performance and Development Policy and Guideline. It is mandatory for all employees and their managers to engage in performance and development conversations, including bi-annual reviews. Implementation is evaluated via the Human Resource System (HRS) and employee surveys. |
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Work health, safety and return to work programs
Program name | Performance |
Work Health Safety Management system | The department aims to ensure that health and safety management is a fundamental component of the work environment. The Work Health Safety Management system supports this through the establishment of safe systems of work, appropriate governance, training, management structures and operational strategies. |
Injury Management Program | The Injury Management program seeks to reduce the impact of work injury by providing early intervention, high quality claims management services and tailored return to work assistance. As soon as an injury is reported, and wherever possible, before a claim for workers compensation is lodged, tailored support is provided to assist injured employees recover and return to work. |
Employee Assistance Program | Program outcomes:
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Workplace injury claims | Current year | Past year | % Change |
Total new workplace injury claims(2) | 730 | 776 | NA |
Fatalities | 0 | 0 | |
Seriously injured workers(3) | 1 | 0 | |
Significant injuries (where lost time exceeds a working week, expressed as frequency rate per 1000 FTE)(4) | 9.47 | 12.48 | NA |
Work health and safety regulations | Current year | Past year 2017-18 | % Change |
Number of notifiable incidents (Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Part 3)(5) | 184 | 87 | 112% |
Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195) | 13 | 17 | -24% |
Return to work costs** | Current year | Past year 2017-18 | % Change |
Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($) | $20,692,103 | $19,176,997 | 7.90% |
Income support payments – gross ($) | $11,113,416 | $10,163,562 | 9.35% |
**before third party recovery
(1) The figures reported for June 2019 are now the new performance measures.
(2) This measure now reflects only accepted claims; hence providing a percentage change from previous years is not feasible.
(3) 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).
(4) This measure now reflects only accepted significant injury claims; hence providing a percentage change from previous year is not feasible.
(5) The simplified Safety Management System introduced in 2019 provides greater clarity regarding roles and expectations placed on employees. The increase in the number of notifiable incidents reported is as a result of a deeper understanding of reporting requirements.
Note: The figures for 2017-18 in the tables above are revised due to an identified error in the prior report.
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
Executive employment in the agency
Executive classification | Number of executives |
PS Act Executive F - Untenured | 1 |
Commissioner | 2 |
SA Executive Service Level 1 | 32 |
SA Executive Service Level 2 | 11 |
Principal Band A – 3 | 152 |
Principal Band A – 4 | 99 |
Principal Band A – 5 | 96 |
Principal Band A – 6 | 60 |
Principal Band A – 7 | 35 |
Principal Band A – 8 | 16 |
Principal Band A – 9 | 27 |
Education Director | 25 |
ED Act Negotiated conditions | 182 |
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
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 2018-19 are attached to this report.
Our income – where it comes from
The total income received by the department and schools from controlled operations for the 2018-19 financial year was $3.45 billion, an increase of $161.3 million from the previous financial year.
Key factors contributing to the increase include:
- Net Revenue from the State Government increased by $77.9 million, which includes funding for capital projects and increased funding for public schools.
- Revenue from the Australian Government increased by $51.3 million, predominantly relating to increases associated with the Quality Schools / National Education Reform Agreement totalling $53.5 million.
- An increase in resources received free of charge totalling $30.7 million mainly due to the transfer of land and building assets for the Adelaide Botanic High School to the department.
Our expenditure – how our funds were spent
The total expenditure incurred by the department and schools from controlled operations for the 2018-19 financial year was $3.44 billion. The increase in expenditure from the previous financial year is predominantly attributed to:
- Employee benefit related expenses increased by $137.9 million. This relates to a range of factors including increases in remuneration rates paid under enterprise bargaining agreements and awards, increases in total staffing numbers, an increase in targeted voluntary separation payments, and the impact of revaluations of employee long service leave and workers compensation liabilities.
- Supplies and services expenses increased by $35.7 million which was mainly due to increases in utility and ICT costs.
- An increase in depreciation and amortisation expenses of $6.9 million which is mostly attributable to an increase in capitalised assets associated with the STEM capital works program.
- An increase in other expenses of $10.0 million mainly due to the write-off of non-current assets.
Summary of our assets – what we own
The value of assets for the department and schools totalled $5.8 billion as at 30 June 2019, which represented an increase of $103 million compared with the previous financial year.
An increase of $127.5 million in property, plant and equipment which included $188.9 million of additional capital expenditure and an increase in land values of $67.6 million as a result of revaluation. This is mostly offset by depreciation and amortisation expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $10.7 million.
Summary of our liabilities – what we owe
The value of liabilities for the department and schools totalled $1.2 billion as at 30 June 2019; an increase of $27.2 million compared with the previous financial year mostly reflecting an increase of $59.9 million in employee benefit liabilities and worker’s compensation provisions; partly offset by a reduction in payables at 30 June 2019 of $33.9 million.
Materials and services charges
The materials and services charge set by each governing/school council is intended to cover the costs of those essential materials and services used or consumed by individual students during the course of their study and must reflect the actual cost of the materials and services provided.
For 2019, the standard sum that schools were able to recover was $241 for primary students and $318 for secondary students. Governing/school councils may also poll their school communities to seek majority support to legally recover an amount greater than the standard sum as well as including specific subject charges where applicable.
For the 2018 school year, the amount recognised by schools for the material and services charge including specific subject charges and ‘school card’ assistance was over $60 million.
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 |
Matthew Fante Consulting | Review the department’s Respite Care Program policies and procedures | $9,120.00 |
Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each
Consultancies | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
Australia & New Zealand School of Government | Review and provide evidence-based reform initiatives to improve strategic policy practices. | $63,690.00 |
Career Industry Council | Review and report on findings with recommendations for best practice career education for younger students in the department's schools. | $77,600.00 |
Dandolo Partners | Review the role of the department’s Registered Training Organisation. | $50,000.00 |
Ernst & Young | The development of a simplified safety management framework for use by all departmental sites. | $31,797.79 |
Ernst & Young | Undertake a high level evaluation of the Guardianship Family Day Care Program. | $52,359.26 |
Gyre Digital Pty Ltd | To provide a discussion paper on the growing demand for cyber security technicians and the challenges and opportunities this creates for the education sector. | $15,000.00 |
KPMG | Assurance services relating to the Education Management System project. | $36,432.00 |
KPMG | Review and provide options for aspects of the future finance arrangements of the department’s payroll and financial consolidation processes in relation to schools and preschools. | $660,731.00 |
Mark Schultz Consulting | Provide advice and recommendations in relation to People & Culture operations functional design and service model and digitisation and technology reform agenda. | $83,150.00 |
Muse Consulting | Review a systematic framework for the delivery of music education. | $23,661.91 |
New Focus Pty Ltd | Undertake research and provide evidence-based recommendations for the state-wide campaign raising parental awareness of the importance of attendance and impact of school absence. | $40,000.00 |
PKF Adelaide | Review the Minister’s Children and Students with Disability Grants Program existing funding framework. | $27,335.00 |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia | Review and provide a report on potential improvements in family day care case management policies and procedures. | $56,375.00 |
The Learning First Group Pty Ltd | To work with education directors and school leaders to develop and plan for the implementation of a school improvement planning process. | $207,000.00 |
The Learning First Group Pty Ltd | To work with education directors and school leaders to develop and implement the framework and associated resources for the school improvement planning process. | $288,000.00 |
The University of Adelaide | The University of Adelaide were requested to prepare a report which sets out the community/social obligations required within the vocational education and training sector, and particularly delivered by TAFE SA. | $91,400.00 |
Total | $1,804,531.96 |
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
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.
The information contained is sourced from the department’s general ledger and invoices, and it is noted that sampling has occurred for some individual vendors with significant volumes.
Transactions between the department and government schools and preschools have been excluded from the below transactions in addition to some transactions that were identified that are not in the nature of contractors.
Due to the various contractors paid for by the School Sports SA Unit of the department (which includes individuals who umpire games) and the fact the department does not obtain transactional data from the School Sports SA Unit to allow for individual itemisation, all contractors paid by this unit are disclosed on one line in the following table. For annual report purposes this amount is included in the total representing payments below $10,000.
Contractors with a contract value below $10,000
Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
All contractors below $10,000 each - combined | Various | $1,965,413.21 |
Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each
Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
57 Films Pty Ltd | Professional filming services to support the Anangu Lands Conference | $10,479.70 |
A&H Digital Solutions Pty Ltd | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $23,937.50 |
ABC International Pty Ltd | Translation and interpreting services | $72,330.56 |
ABC Multilingua Pty Ltd | Translation and interpreting services | $73,366.95 |
Abell Mind & Body | Psychological assessment services | $49,423.25 |
AccessHQ | Professional services for the Education Management System project | $26,885.00 |
Adelaide OHS&W Consultants | Professional services to support work health and safety compliance audits | $11,044.77 |
Adelaide Oval SMA Limited | Professional services to support department events - 2019 registered training organisation (RTO) graduation ceremony | $15,632.73 |
Adelaide Uhak Centre | Professional services to deliver IES Home stay and International student services process improvement project | $28,810.00 |
Aim To Succeed Tutoring | Professional tuition services for school retention program | $62,047.50 |
Ann O'Callaghan | Professional services to deliver Leaders Day Executive Governance and Literacy Summit Organising Committee | $62,370.00 |
Anthony Townsend | Professional research services to support departmental initiatives - Principals as Literacy Leaders | $14,464.78 |
AON Hewitt Associates Pty Ltd | Perspective School Climate Survey for inclusion on school improvement dashboard | $256,101.00 |
Arts SA - SA Museum | Aboriginal Education Program | $60,000.00 |
Auslan Services Pty Ltd | Translation and interpreting services | $129,185.70 |
Australian Childhood Foundation | Strategies and Managing Abuse Related Trauma program | $32,600.00 |
Australian Council for Educational Research Limited (ACER) | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $31,617.55 |
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $20,552.00 |
B&H Australia Pty Ltd | Audio visual and tele-conferencing equipment for schools and corporate office modernisation | $28,909.00 |
Baptist Care (SA) Incorporated | Care Mentoring program | $297,332.39 |
Barber Consulting | Professional services to support centres for hearing impairment and parent engagement | $40,977.00 |
Barkuma Inc | Disability support and state transition program | $81,818.18 |
BDO Advisory (SA) Pty Ltd | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $17,302.00 |
Berry Street Childhood Institute | Professional services for the Berry Street Education Model | $42,620.96 |
Bold IT Pty Ltd | Professional services to support delivery of departmental programs | $74,166.14 |
Bonnie Parker | Professional services to support young people share cultural considerations in court project | $12,798.00 |
Bremer and Company Pty Ltd | Music Survey submission analysis | $17,111.82 |
Broomhall Consulting | Performance Counts Program | $12,200.00 |
Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation | Youth and student mentoring for language initiatives and activities | $30,000.00 |
Carclew Youth Arts Centre Incorporated | Artists in schools program | $26,000.00 |
Career Education Association | Professional services to deliver Student Pathways project | $12,363.64 |
Careerlink Business Services Trading as Careerlink People Solutions Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $25,261.24 |
Carolyn Lloyd | Professional services to deliver International Education Services projects and the Bilingual Project review | $39,363.63 |
Catherine Taylor | Professional audit and risk services | $13,151.99 |
CEASA INC (Educators SA) | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $10,000.00 |
Centacare Catholic Family Services | National School Chaplaincy Program Annual Funding | $167,500.00 |
CGI Technologies & Solutions Australia Pty Ltd | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $29,325.00 |
Chamonix IT Management | Professional services to support a range of ICT initiatives. | $169,366.25 |
Civica Education Pty Ltd | Professional services for the Education Management System project | $770,208.52 |
CMM Education Consultancy | Professional services for Connected Beginnings Initiative | $33,690.09 |
Complete Tutoring Solutions | Tutoring services | $90,152.50 |
Computers Now Pty Ltd | ICT audit services | $52,974.06 |
Concordia Kindergarten | Preschool support | $20,717.34 |
Connected Self Pty Ltd | Mentoring services | $556,994.04 |
Cornerstone Strategic Pty Ltd | Professional services to support entrepreneurial learning strategy | $18,065.78 |
CQR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd | Risk assessment services | $33,300.00 |
Dansie's Head to Toe Pty Ltd | Psychological assessment services | $42,363.63 |
Davies Stewart Recruitment | Labour resources | $180,088.49 |
Deloitte Risk Advisory Pty Ltd | Professional services to support delivery of departmental programs | $63,307.54 |
Department for Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) | Professional services to support Northern School Site project | $16,291.73 |
DFP Recruitment Services Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $485,451.60 |
DK Psychology | Psychological assessment services | $38,963.62 |
Dr Julia Atkin | Professional services for the development of Education functional requirements | $33,095.45 |
DWS Advanced Business | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $13,451.04 |
EBMS Pty Ltd | Contracts and Grants Management System | $123,433.73 |
Edge Recruitment | Labour resources | $105,747.19 |
Education Change Makers Pty Ltd | Professional services to support delivery of departmental programs | $63,850.00 |
Education Services Australia | School Catalogue Information Service data and authority files | $117,674.48 |
Education Web Solutions | Professional online services to support Australian Curriculum Leading Learning website | $30,160.00 |
Educentric Pty Ltd | Professional digital services | $16,986.00 |
Edward Wilson | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program | $14,920.00 |
Enable Professional Services | Professional services for the Education Management System project | $172,072.73 |
Enlightening Films | Professional filming services to support departmental initiatives and develop professional learning resources | $63,639.56 |
Ernst & Young | Professional services to support departmental initiatives and reviews | $151,459.00 |
Escient Pty Ltd | Professional services for the Education Management System project | $56,181.82 |
Essential Utilities | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $46,190.00 |
Eyre Futures Incorporated | Professional tuition services for school retention program | $18,696.39 |
Flinders University of South Australia | Professional services to support delivery of departmental programs, evaluation and professional development | $217,775.27 |
Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy. | $1,330,227.74 |
Fujitsu Australia Limited | Professional services for a range of ICT initiatives. | $598,442.12 |
Galpins Accounting Auditors | Professional services to support departmental programs | $41,145.72 |
Get Smart Promotional Products | Premier's Be Active Challenge medals | $32,209.16 |
GMD Partnerships Limited | Crucial Conversations and Changemakers program | $35,685.00 |
Gramac Solutions | Labour resources | $13,870.76 |
Gregory Berry | Audit and risk services | $14,494.46 |
Hays Specialist Recruitment | Labour resources | $5,964,310.77 |
Hender Consulting | Labour resources | $33,655.50 |
Hoban Recruitment Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $1,059,532.33 |
Hoops 4 Life | School mentoring program | $53,775.00 |
HRM Matters | Performance and development workshops | $38,143.00 |
Hudson Global Resources (Australia) | Labour resources | $874,505.38 |
Human Capital International | Climate Survey project | $29,999.00 |
Incept Labs Australia Pty Ltd | Learning Design Assessment and Moderation project | $76,011.92 |
Incompro Aboriginal Association | Youth and student mentoring | $254,643.01 |
Infoquest Pty Ltd | Professional services to support departmental research and initiatives | $22,425.00 |
Information Multimedia Communications Pty Ltd | Professional services to support workforce and system development | $37,765.00 |
Interpreting and Translating | Translation and interpreting services | $50,443.83 |
Iocane Pty Ltd | Professional services to support school ICT infrastructure | $89,853.32 |
Ipar Rehabilitation Pty Ltd | Professional services to support workers compensation | $15,909.09 |
IPAU Technologies | Professional services to support school ICT infrastructure | $10,150.00 |
Jessica Ellis | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $20,452.50 |
Jodie Benveniste | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $15,625.00 |
Johani SLR | Professional production services | $20,811.00 |
John P Malcolm | Professional assessment services | $29,400.00 |
K Welsh & Co Pty Ltd | Professional financial administration services to support Wiltja Residential Program | $31,815.00 |
KESAB Environmental Solutions | School waste and resources audits | $29,947.27 |
KPP Ventures Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $69,111.43 |
Kylie Heneker Executive | Professional services to support departmental programs | $22,790.00 |
La Trobe University | Professional services to support departmental programs | $12,546.36 |
Labs 'N' Life Incorporated | Labs and Life in schools program | $107,800.34 |
Lettscom Pty Ltd | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $20,129.27 |
LinkedIn Singapore Pty Ltd | Professional training services to support staff in accessing quality online learning opportunities | $19,000.00 |
Loop Software Pty Ltd | Professional services for software development | $19,300.00 |
Mahony's Lawyers | Professional legal services | $13,636.36 |
Manpower Services Australia Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $346,047.53 |
Martin Anders Barrister | Professional legal services | $10,680.00 |
Matthew Nairn | Psychological assessment services | $57,850.38 |
Maureen Hegarty | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program | $61,345.00 |
Maxima Tempskill | Labour resources | $92,196.03 |
MG Tapscott & SJ Tapscott | Keeping Children Safe from Bullying | $35,804.00 |
Microsoft Pty Ltd | Professional services supplied by Microsoft Premier Support | $175,702.48 |
MIMP Computer Cable Pty Ltd | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $49,121.88 |
Minter Ellison Lawyers | Professional legal services | $15,049.93 |
Mission Australia | School mentoring program | $70,486.35 |
Mixed Mediums | Professional online training aids | $44,286.67 |
Monash University | Professional evaluation services to support departmental initiatives | $53,349.81 |
MTA Group Training Scheme Incorporated | Introduction to automotive services for School Retention program | $10,141.00 |
My Psychologist Frances | Psychological assessment services | $14,490.00 |
Nanette Smibert | Professional services to support departmental programs | $19,980.00 |
National Children's and Youth Law Centre | Online bullying prevention resource | $42,000.00 |
National Excellence In School | Wellbeing toolkit and Managing Emotional Demands training | $162,267.83 |
National Science Summer School | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program | $76,000.00 |
NEC Australia Pty Ltd | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $693,299.77 |
New Focus Pty Ltd | Professional services to support delivery of departmental programs | $23,100.00 |
NGS Global Pty Ltd | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $11,945.45 |
Novita Children's Services | Psychological assessment services | $98,041.45 |
Nuago Pty Ltd | Professional services to support ICT delivery | $44,115.40 |
Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment | Traineeship program flexibility for the future | $14,150.00 |
Oncall Language Services Pty Ltd | Translation and interpreting services | $16,365.28 |
Our Lady Of The Visitation School | Preschool support | $12,750.05 |
Outsidein Group | Reports and customer content, assessment methodology and educator assessments | $302,890.00 |
Oxford University Innovation | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program | $10,000.00 |
Pathways CBS Pty Ltd | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $122,650.00 |
Paxus Australia Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $184,312.69 |
Peoplebank Australia Limited | Labour resources | $403,595.56 |
Peter King Communications | Professional school audit services | $13,828.55 |
Phoebe Monagle | Literature review | $20,000.00 |
Piet Crosby | Psychological assessment services | $26,011.20 |
Pinnacle Workplace Consultants | Workstation assessments | $35,676.70 |
PriceWaterhouseCoopers | Strategic audit and risk services | $358,722.03 |
Psychology SA | Psychological assessment services | $58,858.75 |
PT Trimitra Duta Mandiri | Professional development services | $106,899.43 |
Rachel Mann Writing Services | Professional services to support Resource Allocation Adjustment Panel applications | $10,768.05 |
Randstad Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $1,034,315.29 |
Relationships Australia (SA) | Care Leaver Discussion and Case Management programs | $11,273.64 |
Richard Mitchell Removals and Storage Pty Ltd | Removal and storage services | $10,215.46 |
RNTT Pty Ltd (Trading as Excel Recruitment) | Labour resources | $19,159.90 |
Rob Ball | Professional audit and risk services | $12,869.91 |
Royal SA Deaf Society Incorporated | Sign language interpreting services | $22,927.72 |
Salisbury Lutheran Kindergarten | Preschool support | $11,954.05 |
Samantha Wilkinson | Human resources operations projects | $14,700.00 |
Sammy D Foundation | Mentoring services | $76,715.89 |
Save The Children Australia Trust | Professional tuition services for school retention program | $19,754.58 |
Schools Ministry Group | National School Chaplaincy Program Annual Funding | $2,628,750.00 |
She Creative Pty Ltd | Professional services to deliver departmental initiatives | $64,224.55 |
Showpony Advertising | Professional services to support Orbis | $19,217.28 |
Social Ventures Australia Limited | Case management services | $105,000.00 |
Software Works Pty Ltd | Professional services for software development | $35,285.28 |
Soji Pty Ltd | Professional services to support departmental workshops and events | $12,237.50 |
Square Holes | Market research and focus groups | $13,750.00 |
Squiz Australia Pty Ltd | Program for anti-bullying | $88,316.37 |
St Margaret Mary's School | Preschool support | $10,986.37 |
St Thomas School - Goodwood | Preschool support | $10,880.73 |
Stacy Consulting Trust | Plink learning management system | $61,425.00 |
Switch Education Recruitment | Professional services to support Future Leaders initiative | $20,620.00 |
Talent International (SA) Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $562,532.10 |
Talent Options | Labour resources | $25,101.81 |
Talk Speech Pathology | Speech Pathology services | $12,000.00 |
Taptu Pty Ltd | Information Technology support and setup | $63,000.00 |
Tauondi Aboriginal Corporation | Welcome to Country services and Aboriginal Youth Representation Model | $28,127.27 |
Telethon Kids Institute | Professional services to deliver rapid response support | $114,308.79 |
Terry Sizer | Professional services to support workforce operations | $40,820.00 |
The Deaf Society | Sign language interpreting services | $21,360.00 |
The University of Adelaide | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $57,000.00 |
Thompson Reuters (Professional) | Professional services to support departmental operations | $16,706.35 |
Thornhall Pty Ltd | Professional workshop and training services | $56,900.00 |
Tiffany Marchant | Professional services to deliver Student Pathways project and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics workshop | $12,946.12 |
Transforming Education | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $83,574.50 |
Translation Consultants | Interpreting and translating services | $24,025.64 |
Triple P International Pty Ltd | Positive Parenting Program | $298,500.91 |
Unified Solutions Group Pty Ltd | Site assessments and labour for the Preschool Information Technology Infrastructure project | $36,492.20 |
Uniting Country SA Limited | National School Chaplaincy Program annual funding | $90,467.31 |
University of Melbourne | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $124,578.38 |
University of South Australia | Payments for various programs such as National Disability Coordination Officer; Chinese Bilingual; and the Teachers and Scholarships program | $355,572.73 |
Various NAPLAN Contractors | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $87,804.30 |
Vettrak Pty Ltd | Review of Registered Training Organisation project | $22,440.00 |
Visually Creative Studio | Professional production services | $41,570.00 |
Voice Project Pty Ltd | Professional online survey and reporting services | $92,862.64 |
Wenn B Lawson | Professional services to support departmental initiatives | $69,789.77 |
Whitelion Youth Agency Limited | Mentoring services | $141,414.16 |
Woman's & Children's Hospital | Professional services for Strong Start program | $165,042.00 |
Yellowscope Pty Ltd | Labour resources | $46,600.00 |
Zed Management Consulting | Professional services to support the delivery of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy | $315,251.43 |
Total | $28,102,026.65 |
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
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.
Other information
Nil.
Risk management
Risk and audit at a glance
The Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) provides independent advice to the Chief Executive and the Senior Executive Group on the department’s risk, control and compliance framework, and its external accountability responsibilities.
The ARC comprises five members of senior management and three independent external members. Representatives of the Auditor-General's Department attend as observers. The committee met on five occasions during 2019.
During 2019, the ARC has focused on the following matters:
- Corporate governance and risk management frameworks
- External accountabilities and financial legislative compliance
- Internal audit coverage and review of significant issues identified in audit reports and actions taken.
- External audit - oversight of implementation and actions taken to address issues raised in Auditor General’s audit reports.
Fraud detected in the agency
Category/nature of fraud | Number of instances |
Misappropriation/Maladministration | 1 |
Misconduct | 7 |
NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.
Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud
The Department for Education is committed to maintaining a working environment free of fraud and corrupt behaviour and promotes this position through the department’s fraud and corruption control policy and framework. The policy and framework articulates the department's prevention, detection and response strategies and provides the processes for managing suspected and/or actual fraud or corruption.
Fraud control risks are reviewed and assessed annually to ensure that processes are in place to adequately manage potential fraud risks.
Any instances of misconduct are treated seriously by the department, and where these occur, prompt action is taken to ensure that they are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held to account.
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
Whistle-blowers disclosure
Number of occasions on which public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993:
1
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
Reporting required under any other act or regulation
Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005
The Department for Education supports carers who are employees and students.
Awareness: There is a system to ensure all management, staff, and volunteers, parents and students have an understanding of the Act and Carers Charter.
Consultation: There is a system to ensure consultation with carers, or persons or bodies that represent carers, in the development and review of human resource department plans, policies, and procedures and practice.
Practice: There is a system to ensure the principles of the Carers Charter are reflected in human resource department practices.
Public complaints
Number of public complaints reported (as required by the Ombudsman)
In 2019, a range of system and operational improvements (including a new case management approach and increased offer of mediation services) enabled more detailed capture and reporting of education complaints.
This has resulted in the ability to separate complaints data from enquiry topic data (which were not complaint related) reducing the overall numbers against each category from previous years.
Category of complaints by topic* | Number of instances |
Communication | 110 |
Staff Performance | 108 |
Bully/Harassment - Physical | 104 |
Behaviour Management | 69 |
Duty of Care | 66 |
Exclusion / Suspension | 66 |
Enrolment | 64 |
Special Education | 60 |
Bully/Harassment - Verbal | 57 |
Staff Misconduct | 57 |
Safety Issue | 52 |
Class Placement | 35 |
Bullying/Harassment - Staff | 34 |
School Policy | 32 |
Unfair treatment | 32 |
Behaviour Third Party | 27 |
Family Law Dispute | 20 |
Attendance | 19 |
Curriculum | 19 |
Government/Departmental Policy | 16 |
Transport | 16 |
Finance | 14 |
Privacy Breach | 14 |
Sexual Assault/Harassment | 12 |
Uniform | 12 |
Unethical Behaviour/Conflict | 10 |
Child Protection | 8 |
Funding | 8 |
Bullying/Harassment - Cyber | 6 |
Zoning | 4 |
Aboriginal Education | 3 |
Alternative Education | 3 |
Parent Restriction | 3 |
School Facilities Access/Use | 3 |
Unknown | 3 |
Accident | 2 |
Policy - Curriculum | 2 |
Private Education | 2 |
Prohibition | 2 |
Total number of topics* | 1174 |
Total number of complaints | 807 |
*Note a single complaint received may involve multiple category topics, so the total number of topics listed is more than the total number of complaints received during 2019.
Additional Metrics | Total |
Number of positive feedback comments | 6 |
Number of negative feedback comments | 44 |
Total number of feedback comments | 50 |
% complaints resolved within policy timeframes | 90.52 |
*Note capturing and reporting of specific feedback is new and relates only to written feedback received from complainants by the Customer Feedback Unit about schools/preschools.
Data for previous years is available at the South Australian Government Data Directory.
Service Improvements resulting from complaints or consumer suggestions over 2019
Nature of complaint or feedback* | Service improvements as a result of complaints or consumer feedback |
Policy application | A school developed a local cyber safety guide and published it on their website to better support parents/caregivers, following parent complaints and enquiries about this topic. |
Service Quality | A school incorporated parent feedback to update the process for seeking parent/caregiver permission for students to participate in external activities following a complaint about the lack of clarity/consistency with their processes. |
Following a parent complaint about an increase in snake sightings on school grounds, a school undertook additional preventative measures regarding habitat control on the grounds. | |
A number of WHS practices and protocols were reviewed and updated (in addition to legislative requirements already in place) at a school once they became aware of an injury to a child resulting from an incident (note the injury was rated as low risk however an ambulance was called at the parent’s request). | |
Following a parent complaint, a school updated their communication processes to provide clarity to parents/caregivers regarding the inclusivity of all students attending school events. |
*Across government complaint categories
