To:

Hon Nick Champion MP
Minister for Housing and Urban Development
Minister for Housing Infrastructure
Minister for Planning

Hon Joe Szakacs MP
Minister for Local Government

This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2020and 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 Housing and Urban Development by:

David Reynolds PSM
Chief Executive

Date 30 September 2025

  • Photo: David Reynolds

    As the Chief Executive of the Department for Housing and Urban Development in South Australia, I am proud to share the significant strides we have made in addressing housing shortages through coordinated planning, policy reform, and infrastructure investment. Our initiatives are designed to enhance housing accessibility, affordability, and delivery across the state.

    We have consolidated key housing functions to unify housing delivery, infrastructure planning, and policy reform, leading to the creation of South Australia’s Housing Roadmap. This roadmap includes actions such as the largest land release, stamp duty abolition for new homes, and renter protections.

    Our department has integrated housing expertise into SA Water, launched the state’s first Infrastructure Scheme, and secured a $3.3 billion capital works program. These efforts streamline development and increase housing density.

    We are committed to affordable housing initiatives through programs like HomeSeeker SA, HomeStart Shared Equity, and the Rent-to-Buy Affordable Housing Initiative. These programs support home ownership and affordability, while planning code amendments aim to expand affordable housing overlays and supply
    incentives.

    The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan outlines the delivery of 315,000 new homes over 30 years, while maintaining food production and protecting land. Projects like Port Stanvac rezoning and new suburbs Southwark and Onkaparinga Heights add thousands of homes, including affordable housing options.

    Reflecting on 2024-25, our department has made significant progress in accelerating housing delivery for all South Australians. By consolidating key housing functions into one department and executing the initiatives outlined in the Housing Roadmap, we have allowed for a more concentrated and coordinated effort to build more quality, affordable homes for South Australians. This work has positioned South Australia as the national leader in housing policy and delivery, as recognised by the Housing Industry Association.

    Looking to the year ahead, we remain focused on implementing forward-thinking solutions that will provide not just houses, but homes – safe, affordable, and built within thriving sustainable communities. We are working to turn these initiatives into a reality, making home ownership and rental options accessible for every South Australian.

    David Reynolds PSM
    Chief Executive
    Department for Housing and Urban Development

  • In this section

    Our strategic focus

    Our purpose

    We are working together across government and industry to accelerate planning and development pathways, invest in essential infrastructure, complete government funded or led housing developments, and remove impediments to private sector constructions. Through the Housing Roadmap, we are:

    • boosting the release of land and residential   development
    • streamlining planning approvals
    • adapting our housing frameworks to meet the   needs of our changing communities
    • reversing the long-term decline in public and   affordable housing
    • tackling infrastructure constraints that   currently limit development
    • strengthening workforce skills in construction   and planning
    • backing industry with viable housing delivery   policies and exploring innovative housing solutions.

    We are exploring new opportunities to streamline processes, remove obstacles and provide support for innovative housing solutions.

    Our vision

    We’re making a real impact and shaping South Australia's housing future.

    At the heart of our department is a clear mission: we’re helping to deliver homes and housing options for South Australians. In the face of a national housing shortfall, we're stepping up.

    We’re working across government and industry to deliver planning outcomes, invest in essential infrastructure like water and wastewater and complete government-led developments. By removing roadblocks for the private sector, we’re unlocking faster housing delivery. This is about more than just buildings – it’s about stability, security, and opportunities for South Australians.

    Our Values

    Service – Proudly serve the community and Government of South Australia.

    Professionalism – Strive for excellence.

    Trust – Have confidence in the ability of others.

    Respect – Value every individual.

    Collaboration and engagement – Create solutions together.

    Honesty and integrity – Act truthfully, consistently, and fairly.

    Courage and tenacity – Never give up.

    Sustainability– Work to get the best results for current and future generations of South Australians.

    Our functions, objectives and deliverables

    Housing Development

    Affordable Housing and Market Solutions – We help facilitate the development and delivery of affordable housing by connecting eligible South Australian buyers to affordable homes in metropolitan Adelaide and wider South Australia that are ready for purchase.

    Growth and Infrastructure Coordination Unit – We facilitate infrastructure provision for housing developments across the state, ensuring that infrastructure is well-planned and coordinated early in the development process to enable faster, more efficient, and better planned communities.

    Office for Design and Architecture SA – ODASA promotes the value of good design, with the view that every new development has the potential to enhance quality of life, attract investment and reduce environmental impact.

    Office of Local Government – We provide policy and other advice to the Minister for Local Government. This includes advice on the operation of the Local Government Act 1999 and related legislation, the delivery of the Municipal Services in Aboriginal Communities Program, and on the functions of the Outback Communities Authority, the South Australian Local Government Grants Commission, the South Australian Local Government Boundaries Commission and the Behavioural Standards Panel.

    Office of the Registrar-General – We ensure the integrity of the land titles registry and provide regulatory oversight of the service providers, including Land Services SA and Electronic Lodgement Network Operators in South Australia.

    Office of the Surveyor-General – We are the primary government authority on cadastral (land boundary) surveying and the cadastre (land boundaries and land tenure), geodetic survey infrastructure, geographical place names, and the opening and closing of public roads.

    Office of the Valuer-General – We safeguard the interests of South Australians by ensuring the integrity and accuracy of statutory property valuations across the state.

    Operations – We are the heart of the Department. We provide the support that enables others to work effectively.

    Planning and Building – We oversee South Australia’s planning system to create liveable and sustainable communities that enhance the lives of all South Australians. We work with the community and practitioners to plan our state’s towns and cities, including transportation networks, recreational spaces, and supporting infrastructure.

    Policy, Coordination & Land Titles

    Policy and Coordination Team – We align relevant policies and agency efforts with the department’s objectives to ensure all aspects of housing work together effectively in delivering South Australia’s Housing Roadmap – building more affordable homes for more South Australians.

    Our organisational structure

    Image: DHUD org chart

    Changes to the agency

    During 2024-25, there were several changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes:

    • Effective from 1 July 2024, the department was established with some staff transitioning to the Department for State Development.
    • Effective from 11 November 2024, the Affordable Housing and Market Solutions team transitioned from the South Australian Housing Trust to operate under the Housing Development Division.
    • Effective from 25 November 2024, the Housing Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit was formally renamed to the Growth and Infrastructure Coordination Unit under the Housing Development Division, helping to facilitate infrastructure provision for housing developments across the state.
    • The Business Services unit under Planning & Building undertook an internal review that led to changes in the directorate structure, realigning functions and reporting lines to enhance coordination, streamline workflows, and reduce duplication. These changes were implemented from 16 June 2025.

    Our Ministers

    Photo: Hon Nick Champion MP

    Hon Nick Champion MP
    Minister for Housing and Urban Development 
    Minister for Housing Infrastructure 
    Minister for Planning

    Minister Nick Champion was elected to the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Taylor in 2022. He was in the Australian Parliament as the Member for Wakefield and Spence from 2007.

    Hon Joe Szakacs MP

    Hon Joe Szakacs MP 
    Minister for Local Government

    Minister Joe Szakacs is also responsible for the Trade and Investment and Veterans’ Affairs portfolios. He was elected to the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Cheltenham in 2019.

    Before entering politics, Minister Szakacs held various roles in the trade union movement, legal practice and as a company director in the superannuation and insurance industries.

    Our Executive team

    David Reynolds PSM, Chief Executive

    Sally Smith PSM, Deputy Chief Executive

    Jane Burton, Chief Operating Officer

    Iain McPhillips, Executive Director – Housing Development

    Gemma Wallace, Executive Director – Policy, Coordination and Land Titles, and Registrar-General of South Australia

    Marc Voortman, Executive Director – Planning and Building

    Katherine Bartolo, Valuer-General

    Kirsteen Mackay, Government Architect of South Australia

    Legislation administered by the agency

    Minister for Planning

    Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005

    Adelaide Show Grounds (Regulations and By-laws) Act 1929

    Architectural Practice Act 2009

    Bills of Sale Act 1886

    Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012

    Character Preservation (McLaren Vale) Act 2012

    City of Adelaide Act 1998

    Electronic Conveyancing National Law (South Australia) Act 2013

    Geographical Names Act 1991

    Law of Property Act 1936

    Linear Parks Act 2006

    Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016

    Private Parking Areas Act 1986

    Real Property Act 1886

    Real Property (Registration of Titles) Act 1945

    Registration of Deeds Act 1935

    Roads (Opening and Closing) Act 1991

    Stock Mortgages and Wool Liens Act 1924

    Survey Act 1992

    Valuation of Land Act 1971

    Worker's Liens Act 1893

    Minister for Local Government

    Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act 2014

    Local Government Act 1999

    Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

    Local Government (Implementation) Act 1999

    Outback Communities (Administration and Management) Act 2009

    Plebiscite (South East Council Amalgamation) Act 2022

    South Australian Local Government Grants Commission Act 1992

    Hon Nick Champion MP, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Housing Infrastructure, Minister for Planning:

    • Adelaide Cemeteries Authority
    • Renewal SA
    • SA Water
    • South Australian Housing Trust
    • State Planning Commission
    • West Beach Trust

    Hon Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Local Government:

    • Behavioural Standards Panel
    • Outback Communities Authority
    • South Australian Local Government Boundaries Commission
    • South Australian Local Government Grants Commission
  • In this section

    Performance at a glance

    Highlights from the 2024-25 year include:

    • Established the Minister’s Housing Roadmap Oversight Committee to ensure accountability for critical housing infrastructure delivery.
    • Greater Adelaide Regional Plan released – nation’s first digital regional plan – mapping 315,000 new homes over the next 30 years and protecting important land for future infrastructure requirements.
    • Future Living Code Amendment consulted, broadening housing supply options.
    • New template issued for non-complex Code Amendments, fast-tracking straightforward planning changes.
    • South Australian Housing Trust and Renewal SA accelerated building programs, targeting record new home completions.
    • Developed South Australia’s first Infrastructure Scheme, improving planning and coordination for greenfield developments.
    • Initiated the first Infrastructure Schemes for the Concordia and Murray Bridge Township growth area.
    • Growth and Infrastructure Coordination Unit formed, overseeing housing projects in expanding regions.
    • Code Amendment Tracking System (CATS) Dashboard launched on PlanSA Portal, enhancing transparency for planning proposals.
    • State Planning Commission’s Practice Direction 18 – Outline Consent 2023 amended to link rezoning with streamlined development approval, cutting assessment times.
    • State Government’s Land Division Assessment Panel (LDAP) established to expedite large-scale land division decisions.
    • Land Supply Dashboard updated to reflect SA Water’s infrastructure commitments for future development.
    • Expanded built environment education and professional pathways through career engagement at senior school and career expos and with internship opportunities.
    • Local Design Review Pilot Program launched in December 2024, partnering with key councils for design excellence – City of Adelaide, Town of Gawler and the Rural City of Murray Bridge.
    • Final Design Quality Handbook drafted in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
    • Design advice provided for 38 significant development projects and reviewing over $17.8 billion in private and public sector developments.
    • First draft Design Standard developed – a set of statewide engineering standards for greenfield development – to be included in the Planning and Design Code.
    • SA Water Board strengthened with housing expertise, supporting strategic growth and critical infrastructure roll-out.

    Key housing partnerships and milestones:

    • Renewal SA: Streamlined construction via a builders panel and secured a development partner for the 800-home Aldinga project. Delivered new homes in regional areas and advanced private land releases, with further opportunities planned. For comprehensive updates, visit Renewal SA.
    • SA Water: Launched a $3.3 billion capital works program, initiated major infrastructure to support northern Adelaide housing, and executed agreements providing water and sewer services to over 6,000 new lots. For detailed project milestones, refer to SA Water.
    • South Australian Housing Trust: Secured $135.1 million over three years from the Housing Australia Future Fund for social housing projects, hosted an industry roundtable, and commenced work on a 50-apartment CBD building. Full details are available at South Australian Housing Trust.

    Agency specific objectives and performance

    Agency objectives

    Indicators

    Performance

    Managing our state’s planning system to create liveable, sustainable communities for South Australians.

    Implement the government’s response to the Expert Panel.

    Evaluated and responded to the key recommendations of the Expert Panel, including potential amendments to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, associated Regulations, and the Planning and Design Code.

     

    Deliver key policy and regulatory changes to provide faster and more efficient approvals for new houses.

    Led the development and implementation of key policy and regulatory changes, including the code amendment dashboard, a standardised amendment template and outline consent assessment, under the Housing Roadmap, streamlining approvals and accelerating new housing delivery.

     

    Develop, investigate and engage on six country regional plans and the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan including delivery of a digital platform.

    All six country plans are drafted, reviewed and set for release in 2025-26.

    The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan was delivered via a digital platform.

     

    Complete the Future Living Code Amendment, Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment, and the Accommodation Diversity Code Amendment to provide for alternative housing solutions.

    Future Living (Part 1), and Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendments were finalised for approval and implementation.

    The Accommodation Diversity Code Amendment was opened for public consultation.

     

    Implement the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 with new provisions for liveability and energy efficiency to be adopted on 1 October 2024 following discussions and agreed exemptions with industry stakeholders.

    Implemented the NCC 2022 liveability and energy efficiency provisions for new homes on 1 October 2024.

    Advanced adoption of these provisions for additions and alterations to existing homes, set for 1 May 2026.

     

    Establish growth area planning tools to create a framework for infrastructure funding and delivery of state significant growth areas.

    Drafted the Growth Planning Framework Guidelines, for release in July 2025. The guidelines outline a framework for developing and delivery of state significant growth areas, timing infrastructure funding considerations.

     

    Complete comprehensive reform of the Site Contamination Assessment Scheme.

    Consultation on updates to Practice Direction 14 (Site Contamination Assessment) closed on 1 July 2025.

    The Commission has paused the Site Contamination Development Assessment Scheme Code Amendment to evaluate the effectiveness of changes before proceeding.

     

    Advance housing reform initiatives as part of the Housing Roadmap led by the Minister for Planning.

    Nine key Housing Roadmap planning reforms have been completed, with the rest on track for delivery.

    Ensuring housing developments across the state have the infrastructure they need, so we can fast track the delivery of housing for South Australians.

    Develop clear infrastructure planning guidelines, clarifying when to use deeds or infrastructure schemes based on state coordination and oversight needs.

    Growth area planning tools now support the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan pipeline.

    Develop infrastructure schemes, to coordinate, fund and deliver project mechanism in growth areas.

    Infrastructure Schemes were initiated for the Concordia and Murray Bridge Growth Areas.

     

    Establish an Infrastructure Coordination Group of state agencies and infrastructure providers (social and physical) to align strategic planning and support growth delivery.

    The Infrastructure Coordination Group, comprising of government and essential service providers, now guides coordinated delivery of the state’s trunk and service infrastructure.

     

    Establish guiding principles for coordinated delivery of the state’s trunk infrastructure, through the Infrastructure Coordination Group.

    Drafted the Growth Planning Framework Guidelines, to be released in July 2025, detailing the ICG/s coordination role with state agencies.

    Developing and implementing housing policy and coordinating the alignment of policy and cross-agency delivery to accelerate housing for all South Australians.

    Establish and implement processes to monitor Housing Roadmap commitments led by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development.

    Established the Minister’s Housing Roadmap Oversight Committee to track delivery of critical housing infrastructure for new development.

    Establish a cross-agency working group to accelerate effective delivery of more homes being built faster.

    Established the State Housing Delivery Group to accelerate home construction.

    Managing the state's affordable housing policies, funding objectives and outcomes.

    Submit a joint application for Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) Round 2.

    Submitted a joint application HAFFF Round 2 in January 2025. South Australia was allocated 335 dwellings.

     

    Expand HomeSeeker SA by driving website traffic and subscribers, resulting in increased affordable listings and eligible sales.

    Achieved record numbers of listings and sales and increase in website subscribers

    Promoting the value of good design, knowing every new development has the potential to improve our quality of life, attract investment and reduce our impact on the environment.

    Partner with councils to pilot the Local Design Review Scheme.

    Commenced the Local Design Review Pilot Program, in December 2024 with City of Adelaide, Town of Gawler and the Rural City of Murray Bridge.

    Provide design advice to the State Commission Assessment Panel in relation to significant private and public sector development applications.

    Advised the State Commission Assessment Panel on 38 significant development projects and reviewed private and public sector developments worth over $17.8 billion.

     

    Establish sustainable greening initiatives and set specified green infrastructure requirements for major projects to expand urban tree canopy and promote water – and biodiversity-sensitive urban design strategies.

    Specified green infrastructure commitments for major projects, including the Majors Road on-off ramp, Main South Road Duplication – Stage 2 (Fleurieu Connections), Prospect Pocket Park, Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive Intersection Upgrade, Grange Road Holbrooks Road and East Avenue Intersection Upgrade and Long Valley Road Upgrade.

    Consulting with local councils and give advice on the constitution and operations of local government, particularly the legal framework for councils’ operation.

    Collaborate with the District Council of Coober Pedy administrator to address financial sustainability and ensure continued delivery of essential services.

    Undertook work to resolve municipal service delivery issues in Coober Pedy ahead of the Council’s administration’s scheduled conclusion in 2026.

    Develop a State-Local Government Economic Partnership Accord to grow economic opportunities across the state.

    Advanced the State-Local Government Economic Partnership Accord to provide councils access to the State Coordinator-General’s functions.

     

    Review the 2022 local government periodic elections and consider measures to enhance community engagement.

    Continued review of local government elections and development of a community engagement charter.

    Ensuring South Australia’s land titles registry remains accurate and reliable.

    Implement an automated system for all reports required under the Land Services Agreement.

    Discovery for automating all Land Services Agreement reports is complete; project planning is being developed.

     

    Finalise operationalisation of National Electronic Conveyancing Data Standard Ltd (NECDS) to hold, curate and manage the national electronic conveyancing data standards.

    NECDS is now established to oversee and mange national electronic conveyancing data standards.

     

    Conduct a cyber property industry forum targeted at small and medium businesses.

    Conducted a successful cyber property industry forum targeted at small and medium businesses.

    Ensure accurate and reliable boundary surveying across South Australia, in line with our role as the government authority on property boundaries and land tenure.

    Support the Surveyor-General’s role on the Electoral District Boundaries Redistribution Commission.

    Delivered the demographic and mapping requirements for the Electoral Districts Boundary Commission’s state electorate redistribution report.

    Carry out functions under the Geographical Names Act 1991 to facilitate the appropriate naming of geographical places.

    Completed minor suburb boundary realignments and advanced the suburb name change for part of Thebarton to Southwark.

    Assisted the Department for Infrastructure and Transport with transport infrastructure reviews and official naming.

     

    Carry out functions under the Survey Act 1992 to monitor compliance with land boundary surveying regulation.

    Delivered an audit program for the Surveyors Board of South Australia to monitor compliance with the Survey Act 1992 and ensure the integrity of land boundaries.

     

    Support councils to ensure correct allocation of urban and rural addressing.

    Allocated new rural addressing and advised councils on applying AS/NZS 4819:2011 for rural and urban addressing

     

    Support the Built Environment Education Taskforce in sustaining the sector.

    Led the Minister for Planning’s Built Environment Education Taskforce to promote surveying and the new surveying degree at Flinders University to attract future students. Addressed sector skill shortages and raising career options through high school career expos.

    Ensure fair and equitable statutory property valuations across South Australia, as the state’s independent authority on property valuations.

    Support the remaining site value rating councils in transitioning to capital value for the 2024-25 financial year, in line with local government reform initiatives.

    Advised councils implementing capital value for rating purposes for the first time in 2024-25, and supported affected ratepayers through call centre scripts and a fact sheet.

    Promote the valuation profession by offering internships and engaging at senior school and college expos.

    Successful intern program, with recruitment for the next 12-month intake in late 2025.

    Active engagement and participation in school and college career expos

    Corporate performance summary

    The following is a summary of the department's corporate performance.

    Employment programs

    Program name

    Performance

    Career Pathways

    Over the past financial year, 2 trainees and 6 interns commenced their careers with the department.

    Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

    In 2025, the department relaunched its refreshed DEI Framework, reviewed relevant policies and practices, conducted risk assessments and introduced practical tools, training programs and resources.

    The department is also commencing development of our Disability Access and Inclusion Action Plan (DAIP).

    People Matter Employee Survey (PMES)

    Following receipt of the whole‑of‑sector PMES survey (which 71% of department staff completed) , the department has reviewed the results and co‑created an action plan to strengthen engagement, wellbeing and workplace culture, and monitor progress and staff sentiment through monthly pulse surveys.

    Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

    In 2024, the department launched its second Innovate RAP in consultation with Aboriginal Elders, Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation SA, supported by commissioned artwork.

    The department continues to deliver RAP actions and align with Closing the Gap priorities through cultural learning, partnerships with Elders and Aboriginal businesses, and recognition of key events such as National Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.

    Gender Equity and Respect

    This year we have continued commitments for White Ribbon Accreditation, implemented a 12-month operational action plan, and are embedding this within the development of our Gender Equity and Respect Plan (GERP).

    The department has shown support for White Ribbon events, International Women’s Day events, Catherine House and the Jodi Lee Foundation.

    Agency performance management and development systems

    Performance management and development system

    Performance

    Performance development discussions

    In 2024-25, 96% of department employees participated in a performance development discussion. To strengthen the quality of these conversations, people managers were provided training on managing performance, supported by new tools, resources and conversation guides.

    Work health, safety and return to work programs

    Program name

    Performance

    Injury and Workers Compensation Management

    Consistently maintained a zero rate of significant injury, as benchmarked against the South Australian Public Sector.

    Work Health and Safety performance measures, aligned with the South Australian Government's Work Health Safety and Injury Management Performance Measures have been achieved.

    Wellbeing Program

    Continued to offer a wellbeing program, with options under each of the four pillars of Mind, Body, Place and Purpose.

    A Wellbeing Committee has been established to further develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive workplace wellbeing program.

    Respectful Behaviours Program

    A Respectful Behaviours Program has been prepared for roll out. The program will include:

    • The launch of the DEI   framework
    • Psychosocial hazard training   for all staff, managers and executives
    • New Respectful Behaviours   Policy, Procedure, Fact Sheets and Guides
    • Introduction of a ‘Speak Up’   hotline
    • Regular reporting of workplace   matters and outcomes
    • Senior HR/WHS members have   been trained in psychosocial hazard investigation.

    Workplace injury claims

    2024-25

    2023-24*

    % Change
    (+ / -)

    Total new workplace injury claims

    2

    1

    +100%

    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

    *Note: as a result of the Machinery of Government process the 2023-24 data formed part of the Department for Trade and Investment.

    **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)

    1

    0

    +100%

    Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195)

    0

    0

    0

    *Note: as a result of the Machinery of Government process the 2023-24 data formed part of the Department for Trade and Investment.

    Return to work costs**

    Current year 2024-25

    Past year 2023-24*

    % Change
    (+ / -)

    Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($)

    $32,050

    $6,549

    +489%

    Income support payments – gross ($)

    $7,154

    0

    -

    *Note: as a result of the Machinery of Government process the 2023-24 data formed part of the Department for Trade and Investment.

    **before third-party recovery

    Data for previous years is available at: Department for Trade and Investment - Annual Report dataset - data.sa.gov.au

    Executive employment in the agency

    Executive classification

    Number of executives

    EXECOF

    1

    EXEC00

    1

    SAES2

    6

    SAES1

    8

    Data for previous years is available at: Department for Trade and Investment - Annual Report 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.

  • In this section

    Financial performance at a glance

    The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the agency, compared to the initial budget. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2024-2025 are attached at Appendix 1.

    For the financial year ended 30 June 2025, DHUD’s net result was an operating loss of $17.5 million, which was $15.0 million unfavourable compared to the initial budget.

    Major variations included:

    • Total income was $11.6 million lower than initial budget primarily due to Machinery of Government changes to appropriation.
    • Total expenses were $3.3 million higher than the initial budget primarily due to cash alignment transfers offset by lower employee related costs.

    The total comprehensive result was greater than the net result by $8.183 million due to the revaluation surplus of SAILIS in 2024-25.

    Statement of Comprehensive Income

    2024-25 Budget

    $000s

    2024-25 Actual

    $000s

    Variation

    $000s

    Past year

    2023-24 Actual

    $000s

    Total Income

    190 555

    178 926

    (11 629)

    208 148

    Total Expenses

    193 029

    196 380

    3 351

    192 560

    Net Result

    (2 474)

    (17 454)

    (14 980)

    15 588

    Total Comprehensive Result

    (2 474)

    8 182

    10 656

    18 862

    Statement of Financial Position

    2024-25 Budget

    $000s

    2024-25 Actual

    $000s

    Variation

    $000s

    Past year

    2023-24 Actual

    $000s

    Current assets

    20 674

    18 673

    (2 001)

    45 791

    Non-current assets

    345 640

    380 347

    34 707

    357 561

    Total assets

    366 314

    399 020

    32 706

    403 352

    Current liabilities

    17 809

    18 028

    219

    29 605

    Non-current liabilities

    13 599

    11 216

    (2 383)

    13 296

    Total liabilities

    31 408

    29 244

    (2 164)

    42 901

    Net assets

    334 906

    369 776

    34 870

    360 451

    Equity

    334 906

    369 776

    34 870

    360 451

    Consultants and contractor disclosure

    A summary of consultants and contractors engaged by the department is attached at Appendix 2.

    Data for previous years is available Department for Trade and Investment - Annual Report 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.

    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.

  • In this section

    Risk and audit at a glance

    The department’s Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly and is responsible for providing independent advice, assistance, and assurance to the Chief Executive on risk, internal controls and internal audit, external audit, and financial management.

    The department is committed to effectively managing risks to protect itself and its employees from situations or events that have the potential to prevent the achievement of strategic and operational objectives through sound risk management practices.

    The Internal Audit function performs reviews over the department’s systems and control environments.

    The department’s Leadership Group undertook a Strategic Risk Assessment in November 2024 to develop an updated Strategic Risk Register. These strategic risks are being managed with oversight from the department’s Leadership Group and the department’s Audit and Risk Committee.

    Fraud detected in the agency

    Category/nature of fraud

    Number of instances

    Nil

    0

    NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.

    Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud

    The department takes a risk-based approach to control and prevent fraud. The control framework includes a policy, procedure and control plan with documented actions to assist with the prevention and detection of fraud, corruption, misconduct and maladministration.

    Data for previous years is available at: Department for Trade and Investment Annual Report Data - 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: Department for Trade and Investment Annual Report Data - 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.

  • Act or Regulation

    Requirement

    Land Tax Act 1936

    In accordance with Section 8A of this Act, the Valuer-General complied with the annual requirement to produce the index by which the Land Tax threshold is adjusted and as part of the administrative obligation it was published in the Government Gazette.

    Reporting required under the Carers’ Recognition Act 2005

    Not Applicable.

  • In this section

    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

    0

    Professional behaviour

    Staff competency

    Failure to action service request; poorly informed decisions; incorrect or incomplete service provided

    1

    Professional behaviour

    Staff knowledge

    Lack of service specific knowledge; incomplete or out-of-date knowledge

    0

    Communication

    Communication quality

    Inadequate, delayed or absent communication with customer

    2

    Communication

    Confidentiality

    Customer’s confidentiality or privacy not respected; information shared incorrectly

    0

    Service delivery

    Systems/technology

    System offline; inaccessible to customer; incorrect result/information provided; poor system design

    0

    Service delivery

    Access to services

    Service difficult to find; location poor; facilities/ environment poor standard; not accessible to customers with disabilities

    0

    Service delivery

    Process

    Processing error; incorrect process used; delay in processing application; process not customer responsive

    1

    Policy

    Policy application

    Incorrect policy interpretation; incorrect policy applied; conflicting policy advice given

    2

    Policy

    Policy content

    Policy content difficult to understand; policy unreasonable or disadvantages customer

    12

    Service quality

    Information

    Incorrect, incomplete,
    out-dated or inadequate information; not fit for purpose

    0

    Service quality

    Access to information

    Information difficult to understand, hard to find or difficult to use; not plain English

    0

    Service quality

    Timeliness

    Lack of staff punctuality; excessive waiting times (outside of service standard); timelines not met

    2

    Service quality

    Safety

    Maintenance; personal or family safety; duty of care not shown; poor security service/ premises; poor cleanliness

    0

    Service quality

    Service responsiveness

    Service design doesn’t meet customer needs; poor service fit with customer expectations

    4

    No case to answer

    No case to answer

    Third party; customer misunderstanding; redirected to another agency; insufficient information to investigate

    18

      

    Total

    42

    Additional Metrics

    Total

    Number of positive feedback comments

    0

    Number of negative feedback comments

    11

    Informal comments/requests

    10

    Total number of feedback comments

    21

    % complaints resolved within policy timeframes

    90.48%

    Data for previous years is available at: Department for Trade and Investment Annual Report Data - Dataset - data.sa.gov.au.

    In line with PC 039- Complaint Management in the South Australian Public Sector, the department is committed to responsive, transparent, and accessible service delivery. Feedback and complaints are viewed as valuable opportunities to measure service quality, identify trends, and implement meaningful improvements.

    In 2024-25, the department received 42 formal complaints, of which 36 (92.21%) were resolved within the prescribed 10-day timeframe. While a courtesy acknowledgement is always provided the same day, resolution timeframes can be impacted by complexity of some matters and the need for input from multiple areas to ensure accurate and meaningful outcomes.

    A large proportion of complaints received were assessed as having ‘no case to answer’ and were redirected to the South Australian Housing Trust. As a newly created department overseeing housing policy coordination, public complaints regarding public housing operations are often misdirected. In these instances, clear referral pathways have been established to ensure complaints are actioned by the appropriate agency.

    Service Improvements

    Compliance Statement

    The department continues to monitor complaint trends and performance metrics and has reviewed its internal KPIs to better reflect complaint complexity and promote efficient, respectful resolution processes.

    DHUD is compliant with Premier and Cabinet Circular 039 – complaint management in the South Australian public sector

    Y

    DHUD has communicated the content of PC 039 and the agency’s related complaints policies and procedures to employees.

    Y

  • For financial statements, refer to the appendix in the PDF version of the 2024-25 Annual Report (PDF, 2.6 MB).

  • In this section

    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

    Various

    25 420

    Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each

    Consultancies

    Purpose

    $ Actual payment

    Arup Australia Pty Ltd

    Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    408 739

    Alinea Advisory Pty Ltd

    Urban Renewal Advice

    167 550

    PSA Consulting (Aust)

    Regional Planning advice

    30 833

    Hannan and Partners Pty Ltd

    Cyber Security services

    15 033

    CommuniCare Inc

    White Ribbon accreditation

    14 500

    Partridge Management

    Project Management advice and support

    11 500

    Total

    648 155

    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

    188 819

    Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each

    Contractors

    Purpose

    $ Actual payment

    Action Market Research Pty Ltd

    Conduct customer surveys on the SA planning system

    16 000

    Acumentis Pty Ltd

    Provide a specialised valuation report

    64 000

    AECOM Australia Pty Ltd

    Support development of the Concordia social infrastructure plan

    391 910

    Aerometrex Limited

    Deliver services for the MetroMap 2D Enterprise Plan

    29 974

    Air Environment

    Conduct air quality assessment for the Sellicks Beach growth area

    470 699

    Alexander & Symonds Pty Ltd

    Conduct site survey of the Sellicks Beach growth area

    106 500

    Alinea Advisory Pty Ltd

    Contribute to delivery framework design for urban renewal

    16 888

    Alison Potter Architecture

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    18 280

    Archistar Pty Ltd

    Deliver services for the Plan SA automatic assessment pilot

    35 370

    Architectus Group Pty Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    12 090

    Arup Australia Pty Ltd

    Conduct greenfield growth investigations for the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    111 608

    Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd

    Provide wind consultancy report to Planning and Building

    85 040

    Aspect Studios Pty Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    10 625

    Attorney-General’s Department

    Provide legal advisory services

    10 527

    Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd

    Provide services on open space strategy for the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    121 303

    Baukultur Pty Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    18 250

    BDO Services Pty Ltd

    Deliver audit and risk management services

    51 108

    Birubi Australia Pty Ltd

    Deliver municipal service support for Davenport

    120 000

    Cablelink Communications

    Supply and install electrical products

    17 655

    Climbing Tree Creations

    Deliver nature play space services under the Municipal Services Program

    10 000

    Corporate Conversation Pty Ltd

    Provide professional training and support service for staff

    124,220

    CorporateConnect.AB Pty Ltd

    Deliver municipal services for Aboriginal community administration project

    154 692

    Cushman & Wakefield

    Provide project management support

    33 914

    District Council of Coober Pedy

    Administrator costs for the District Council of Cooper Pedy

    112 500

    Egis Oceania Pty Ltd

    Provide services related to Growth Area Engineering Standards

    259 386

    Egis Oceania Pty Ltd

    Review the District Council of Coober Pedy service level and Asset Management Plan

    201 271

    Ekistics Planning and Design

    Deliver master planning services for the Port Augusta activity centre on behalf of Planning and Building

    107 940

    EP Recycling Specialists

    Deliver waste collection services for Ceduna Aboriginal Homelands

    60 502

    EP Recycling Specialists

    Deliver waste collection services in Davenport

    60 501

    Ethos Urban Pty Ltd

    Deliver landscape and visual impact assessment for the Concordia growth area

    48 209

    FIRCY Pty Ltd

    Conduct IT security review for Plan SA IT systems

    10 792

    Future Urban Pty Ltd

    Conduct rural interface assessment for the Concordia growth area

    28 040

    Future Urban Pty Ltd

    Deliver engagement planning and workshops on minor variations in practice directions

    24 500

    FYFE Pty Ltd

    Conduct geodetic survey of Port Pirie on behalf of the Office of the Surveyor-General

    186 140

    FYFE Pty Ltd

    Conduct geodetic surveys in Ashbourne and Finniss for the Office of Surveyor-General

    80 860

    Gerard Busch

    Engage for contracting, development, and process improvement initiatives within the Office of Valuer-General

    39 750

    GHD Pty Ltd

    Lead project management and initiation activities for Aboriginal cultural heritage planning in the Concordia growth area

    99 930

    GHD Pty Ltd

    Conduct cultural heritage assessment for the Sellicks Beach growth area

    56 203

    Global South Pty Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    30 524

    Greenhill Engineers Pty Ltd

    Conduct assessment of the state-wide flood overlay

    14 613

    Hannan & Partners Pty Ltd

    Deliver cyber security services to support ICT operations

    148 312

    Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd

    Provide urban design review service to Sellicks Beach growth area

    117 628

    Hassell Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    13 800

    Holmes Dyer Pty Ltd

    Prepare draft content for the Murray Mallee Regional Plan

    99 870

    Infrastructure SA

    Review technical, commercial, and strategic aspects of wastewater proposals and related projects

    66 950

    Intelligent Business Research Services

    Participate in research and advisory service membership

    21 263

    Intermethod

    Conduct social infrastructure assessment for the Sellicks Beach growth area

    38 370

    Jabba Design Pty Ltd

    Conduct policy testing for car parking and garages under the Vehicle Parking Bill

    13 400

    JBS&G Australia Pty Ltd

    Conduct preliminary site investigations for the Sellicks Beach Code Amendment

    26 795

    JBS&G Australia Pty Ltd

    Support for community impact messaging for Northern suburbs water and wastewater infrastructure

    22 680

    John Bested & Associates

    Provide maintenance and coordination of survey marks for the Office of the Surveyor-General

    264 042

    KPMG

    Facilitate workshop on affordable housing policy levers

    31 900

    Land Services SA Operating

    Support the Land Services SA and Office of Valuer-General joint venture reform project

    13 688

    Louis Palumbo

    Conduct independent assessment of an accredited professional application

    12 500

    Mark Haycox Urban Design & Landscape Architecture

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    36 017

    Megan Hender Consulting

    Conduct operational review for the Office of the Registrar-General

    16 000

    Mesh Livable Urban Communities Pty Ltd

    Provide urban design services for the Concordia growth area

    260 152

    Mesh Livable Urban Communities Pty Ltd

    Draft structure planning guidelines

    45 971

    Mesh Livable Urban Communities Pty Ltd

    Support development of the infrastructure funding plan for the Concordia growth area

    12 231

    Mesh Livable Urban Communities Pty Ltd

    Support development of the infrastructure funding plan for the Sellicks Beach growth area

    14 381

    Michael O'Neil Consulting

    Conduct financial review to support housing initiatives in the Upper Spencer Gulf

    12 540

    NEC Australia Pty Ltd

    Deliver networking infrastructure planning for office space

    14 039

    Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation

    Conduct heritage assessment for the Concordia growth area

    31 436

    Oak Valley (Maralinga) Inc

    Provide municipal services to the Oak Valley Community

    70 000

    Partridge Management

    Provide reporting and monitoring frameworks on the Housing Roadmap program

    50 000

    Partridge Management

    Provide an analysis and improvement report on Property Interest reports, Section 7 searches, and Title linking.

    20 000

    Peter Mould Architect Pty Ltd

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    15 113

    Planning Studio Pty Ltd

    Provide reports on land division evaluations

    37 707

    Planning Studio Pty Ltd

    Conduct code amendment investigations

    79 320

    PointData Pty Ltd

    Assess and prioritise urban infill opportunities

    98 113

    ProManage Australia Pty Ltd

    Provide employment lands investigations, employment trend analysis, and employment land strategy of Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    65 820

    PSA Consulting (Australia)

    Provide regional planning advice on Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    31 325

    RAW Personnel Heritage

    Conduct cultural heritage survey for the Concordia project

    39 783

    RAW Personnel Heritage

    Conduct archaeological and ethnographic survey at Sellicks Beach

    10 377

    Redshield Security Australia

    Deliver endpoint protection testing services for Planning and Building

    10 000

    Resonate Consultants Pty Ltd

    Review interface management and design code policy for the Office for Design and Architecture SA

    25 000

    Robert Nation

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    10 173

    SA Country Fire Service

    Conduct bushfire attack level assessments across three growth areas

    18 426

    Schored Projects

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    11 716

    Senversa Pty Ltd

    Conduct preliminary site investigation for the Concordia growth area

    21 254

    Sonus Pty Ltd

    Conduct interface and environmental noise assessment at Sellicks Beach

    26,100

    Start Horizon

    Professional services related to Design Panel projects

    19 217

    Straight Lines Consultancy

    Provide expert analysis and advisory services to the Office of Local Government

    31 480

    TECON Australia Pty Ltd

    Review the development approval process for private bushfire shelters

    36 300

    The Plumber

    Deliver municipal services support for Raukkan and Kalparrin communities

    17 819

    Thomson Planning Pty Ltd

    Provide planning advice to support development application assessments

    38 950

    Tonkin Consulting Pty Ltd

    Review and develop the Concordia growth area stormwater management strategy

    58 299

    Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd

    Conduct ecological field assessment to support site planning

    48 074

    University of Adelaide

    Review the Real Property Act 1886

    20 000

    Urbis Ltd

    Review and analyse the Concordia Economic Strategy Addendum

    109 721

    URPS

    Prepare draft materials to support engagement for the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    43 485

    URPS

    Engage experienced land use planners and specialists to support strategic planning

    82 552

    URPS

    Deliver strategic planning support for regional development

    107 369

    Veolia Environmental Services

    Deliver waste collection services under the Municipal Services Program across multiple locations

    61 425

    Verity Design

    Deliver graphic design services for the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

    59 200

    Versent Pty Ltd

    Develop concept design for the Valuation Viewer for the Office of the Valuer-General

    72 281

    WGA Pty Ltd

    Conduct geotechnical assessment to support planning in the Concordia growth area

    16 900

    WGA Pty Ltd

    Review and develop the Sellicks Beach growth area stormwater management strategy

    74 739

    Wiltya Vari Services

    Deliver major works contracts in partnership with Yorke Peninsula Council

    19 032

    Yup Yup Labs Pty Ltd

    Develop the Certificate of Occupancy plain English guide

    48 525

    Total

    6 391 871