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The Agency's Performance

Performance at a glance

The agency has achieved the following:

  • Continued to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, minimising disruptions to services and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure projects across South Australia.
  • Delivered Commonwealth and State funded infrastructure stimulus programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to boost the State’s employment and continued economic recovery.
  • The electrified Gawler rail line was opened to passenger services in June 2022, providing a cleaner, greener, quieter and faster service for thousands of northern suburbs commuters.
  • Released a new Road Safety Strategy to 2031, setting important and ambitious targets, including halving fatalities and reducing serious injuries by 30%.
  • The new Granite Island Causeway was opened to the public, providing better access to the Island, and supporting tourism in the area.
  • E-scooter trials were introduced in eastern suburbs, to be managed and monitored by City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters until October 2022.
  • Repaired and reopened regional and outback roads following heavy rain and extensive flooding in early 2022, reconnecting communities and restoring freight movement of essential supplies across the nation.
  • Responded effectively to widespread rains and flooding in early 2022, that affected 13,000 kilometres of roads in the far north of the State, by restoring and reopening all outback roads that were damaged.
  • Progressed the Driver Training Reform program, having undertaken broad-ranging consultation and prepared legislation to be introduced to Parliament.
  • Commenced community consultation on the preferred location for the new modern, fit for purpose Adelaide Aquatic Centre facility.
  • Commenced a review of the North-South Corridor, Torrens to Darlington Project.
  • Refurbished selected Service SA centres, extending the range of transactions that can be completed online and improving the online customer service.
  • Contributed to the development of national reforms to improve freight transport safety, efficiency, and productivity, including Heavy Vehicle National Law and road vehicle standards.
  • Completed upgrades at the intersections of Main North Road and Nottage Terrace; Portrush and Magill roads; Grand Junction, Hampstead and Briens roads; and Main North, Kings and McIntyre roads.
  • Completed and opened the new section of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge and the new Port Wakefield Overpass; and commenced works to duplicate the Augusta Highway from Port Wakefield to Lochiel.
  • Opened the new Torrens Road bridge at Ovingham to road traffic.
  • Commenced works on the Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project and continued works on key regional routes, including the Sturt, Eyre, Barrier, and Horrocks highways.
  • Advanced major remediation and makeover of key government owned CBD office buildings including the State Administration Centre, Wakefield House and 31 Flinders Street, and the fit-out of new leased premises at 83 Pirie Street.
  • Completed the Reform of Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements, with the new arrangements coming into effect on 1 December 2021.
  • Progressed the delivery of over 100 social infrastructure construction projects to upgrade existing and develop new schools, correctional facilities, hospitals and sporting facilities.  This included the delivery of over 60 school projects to facilitate the move of Year 7 students into high school from the start of the 2022 school year.
  • Managed the leasing of space required for Government offices and facilities maintaining a vacancy rate of below 1%.

Agency response to COVID-19

The Department continued to focus the internal COVID-19 response on ensuring the health and safety of staff and the provision of essential services to the community.  The Department’s personnel provided government transport and construction advice to the State Coordinator and Chief Public Health Officer through the State Emergency Centre (and other forums) to assist in the coordination of a State level response to COVID-19.

The Department continues to liaise with industry and local, State and Federal jurisdictions to support the transport and infrastructure sectors to ensure the economic wellbeing of the State.

Agency contribution to whole of Government objectives

Agency’s contribution

Efficient and effective delivery of infrastructure projects.

Greater participation of medium and small businesses through best-practice procurement processes.

Sustainable development through strategic transport and infrastructure delivery.

Local participation policies for procured services.

Improved governance and investment decisions.

Rejuvenation and growth through the reuse of existing buildings and assets.

Public transport services that meet community needs.

Improved community engagement across major projects.

Service SA providing enhanced customer service through ongoing and expanded digitisation.

Maximising efficiency of programs and services.

More efficient and safe movement of local, interstate, and international freight.

Agency specific objectives and performance

The Department is committed to the continued delivery of a multi-billion dollar pipeline of infrastructure investment, while implementing key reforms, supporting the continued growth of the South Australian economy and the social wellbeing of our communities.

Agency objectivesIndicatorsPerformance
Effective Planning PolicyInfrastructure Planning

Completed a detailed submission on a new initiative for Adelaide Inner Ring Route capacity improvements for inclusion on the Infrastructure Australia Infrastructure Priority List.

Progressed the Transport Network Planning Studies Program, including starting consultation on Road Corridor Planning Studies being undertaking along six key Adelaide road corridors.

Commenced consultation on the draft 2022-2032 Cycling Strategy for South Australia, which outlines the vision for cycling in South Australia to guide future investment, expand and improve cycling infrastructure and support a safe and convenient environment for riding.

Commenced a review of the Torrens to Darlington Project.

Continued to develop business cases and participate in governance assurance reviews on projects for assessment by Infrastructure South Australia.

Efficient Transport ServicesCustomer Focused Services

Passenger services returned to the newly electrified Gawler rail line on 12 June 2022, with the majority of works on upgrades to refresh 14 train stations along the line also completed.

Introduced the first of the 12 new electric trains into service.

Completed the Golden Grove Park ‘n’ Ride, making public transport easier to access for people living in the north eastern suburbs.

Expanded the metropolitan boundary of the greater Adelaide region for point-to-point passenger transport services so metropolitan-based taxies, chauffeur and rideshare vehicles can operate in the Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker Council regions.

Expanded the e-scooter trial to cover the City of Unley Council area.

Continued to respond to the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts on staff, public transport services, and project timelines.

Valuable Social and Economic InfrastructureCustomer Focused Services

Repaired and reopened regional and outback roads following heavy rain and extensive flooding in early 2022, reconnecting communities and restoring freight movement of essential supplies across the nation.

Refurbished selected Service SA centres, extending the range of transactions that can be completed online, and improving the online customer service.

Finalised the new contract for SeaLink to deliver cheaper fares, new vessels, and more services for Kangaroo Island.

Introduced a new multi-provider model for rideshare vehicle inspections to offer taxi, rideshare and chauffeur operators greater choice of inspection price, location, and availability.

Valuable Social and Economic InfrastructureEnhancement of current transport infrastructure

Completed the West Beach Boat Ramp Upgrade in January 2022, and commenced works on the Kingscote Jetty Upgrade and dredging of Port MacDonnell.

Continued to deliver various programs of work to resurface and rehabilitate inner urban roads and reseal and rehabilitate rural roads.

Completed the Reform of Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements, with the new arrangements coming into effect on 1 December 2021.

Undertook risk analysis to prioritise the program of stimulus funded road safety works on high-traffic regional road corridors that include shoulder sealing, Audio Tactile Line Marking, pavement rehabilitation, junction lighting and other improvements, and the installation of safety barriers.

Valuable Social and Economic InfrastructureProgress of Major Transport Infrastructure Projects, Programs, and Planning Studies

Opened the new Granite Island Causeway at Victor Harbor, improving access to the island and safeguarding the future of this iconic tourist destination.

Completed and opened the new section of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge at Port Augusta in May 2022.

Opened the Port Wakefield Overpass to traffic in December 2021, removing the intersection known as “crash corner” to ultimately provide a safer, faster, and less congested journey for the thousands of people who travel between Adelaide and Yorke Peninsula.

Completed major pavement rehabilitation works on the South Eastern Freeway between the Glen Osmond Tollgate and the Crafers Interchange, the first major asphalting works along this section in more than 20 years, and the freeway’s intersection with Cross, Portrush and Glen Osmond Roads.

Completed the second and final stage of the Golden Grove Road Upgrade Project, resulting in improved road safety, traffic congestion and public transport travel time outcomes on a
6.4 kilometre section of Golden Grove Road.

Continued work on the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project, with the new Torrens Road bridge opened to traffic in June 2022.

Completed upgrades at the intersections of Main North Road and Nottage Terrace; Portrush and Magill roads; Grand Junction, Hampstead and Briens roads; and Main North, Kings and McIntyre roads.

Commenced major works at the intersections of Cross and Fullarton roads and Glen Osmond and Fullarton roads; and prepared for the start of major works at the intersection of Nottage Terrace and North East Road.

Commenced major works on the Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication Projects as part of the Fleurieu Connections package, and Augusta Highway Duplication Project.

Commenced works on the Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project and continued works on key regional highway corridors, including the Sturt, Eyre, Barrier, and Horrocks Highways.

Progressed the delivery of over 100 social infrastructure construction projects to upgrade existing and develop new schools, correctional facilities, hospitals and sporting facilities.  This included the delivery of over 60 school projects to facilitate the move of Year 7 students into high school from the start of the 2022 school year.

Safe, Reliable and Efficient MovementSpeed / Safety Management Initiatives

Launched South Australia’s Road Safety Strategy to 2031, which sets ambitious 10-year targets and will guide decision making on transport related investments with a focus on the safe movement of people throughout the State.

Implemented enhancements to the motorcycle graduated licensing scheme to improve motorcyclist safety.

Introduced the ability for immediate loss of licence at the roadside for certain dangerous road traffic offences.

Introduced legislation to reform the driver training industry, allowing greater accountability, compliance activities, and safety of novice drivers.

Re-established the State Level Crossing Advisory Committee, supporting a program of initiatives in collaboration with track owners.

The Road Safety Infrastructure Program continued to provide funding for upgrades to regional roads to achieve a 3-star safety rating.

Continued to administer the Way2Go program, a State-wide South Australian program promoting safer, greener, and more active travel for primary school students and their communities.

The THINK! Road Safety Partnership Program continued to provide opportunities to engage with the community about emerging and recurring road safety issues, promote road safety priorities and build community understanding and support for road safety measures.

Championed Aboriginal Road Safety and Driver Licensing through the On The Right Track program which promotes behavioural change to improve road safety and driver licensing outcomes for Aboriginal people in South Australia.

Worked collaboratively with South Australia Police to progress the introduction of Mobile Phone Detection Cameras.

Contributed to the development of national reforms to improve freight transport safety, efficiency and productivity, including Heavy Vehicle National Law and road vehicle standards.

Corporate performance summary

During the 2021-2022 financial year, our People and Corporate Services Division enabled effective organisational assurance, safety and performance by:

  • Coordinating and managing all industrial relations and human resource matters to support transition programs for all major reforms and organisational changes.
  • Organising and managing an effective redeployment and retraining program, with successful placement of unassigned employees into vacant roles or projects within the public sector, such as project support and maintenance programs.
  • Managing and coordinating supporting public sector activities in response to COVID-19, including mobilisation of employees to support home quarantine compliance and contact tracing.
  • Implementing an enhanced people capability development framework that promotes a safe, inclusive, flexible, engaging, and productive workplace for all, where performance is managed consistently and effectively agency wide.
  • Coordinating and implementing an integrated program of reforms and improvements to the framework of procurement policies and practices.
  • Coordinating and enabling the delivery and implementation of a prioritised pipeline of technology projects that supported the delivery of Departmental objectives and delivered a robust Cyber Security Framework.
  • Sustaining effective financial controls and management over the Department’s program.
  • Coordinating and managing a staged agency wide review of risk registers to ensure that appropriate measures that manage and mitigate enterprise-wide risks.
  • Implementing an enhanced in-house legal services capability model.
  • Providing professional and timely legal, legislative, commercial and assurance services to ensure the Department is compliant with all legal, revenue and statutory requirements.
  • Delivering a program of business process improvements and office automation initiatives that empower an agile and flexible workforce.
  • Enabling the transition to the South Australian Government’s new hazard and incident reporting system GovSAfety.

Employment opportunity programs

Program namePerformance
InternshipsCOVID-19 restrictions continued to limit our opportunity to offer placements during 2021-2022.  Applications were received from university undergraduates for unpaid placements across a range of discipline areas.  Following review, one internship was undertaken within the South Australia Public Transport Authority.  Some applications were referred for participation in our Undergraduate Vacation Employment Program.
Undergraduate Vacation EmploymentThe Undergraduate Vacation Employment Program offers undergraduate university students paid work placements in order to provide practical experience and skill development in their chosen disciplines. Over the 2021-2022 summer break, 12 undergraduates from South Australian universities contributed to projects in a range of disciplines including business, law, project procurement, engineering and property.
Graduate ProgramApproximately 32 graduates from a range of disciplines commenced employment in the agency in 2021-2022.  Most graduates have completed a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice.  Graduates take part in a comprehensive Graduate Development Program which includes formal training, coaching, mentoring, and on the job experiences.
Skilling SAThe Skilling South Australia – SA Government Apprenticeship Signature Project is designed to contribute to government’s objective to create more than 20 800 additional apprenticeships and traineeships over four years.  This project was to support more South Australians into meaningful, long term careers as well as upskilling existing employees.  In the 2021-2022 financial year, the fourth year of the program, the Department’s target of 22 was exceeded with the engagement of
31 new Graduates and upskilling of one existing employee under this program.

Agency performance management and development systems

Performance management and development systemPerformance
Operating Procedure 008: Managing Our People

The Department’s blended learning model for employees provides 70% of learning through
on-the-job experience, 20% through mentoring, coaching and networks and 10% through formal training programs.  It ensures learning and development is not only achieved through formal education and structured learning but is also reliant on experiences and exposure.

During 2021-2022, $1.2 million was invested in formal learning and development for employees with a strong focus on building capability on how we get things done to deliver results through occupation specific training and leadership development.  Our training investment has been impacted by reduced employee participation and training attendance with COVID-19 being a significant contributing factor.

78% of employees (including managers) had completed formal performance management reviews as at 30 June 2022.  The Department continues to maintain a performance culture underpinned by regular conversations between employees and managers to develop capability and review progress against performance standards and role outcomes.  In 2021-2022, the Department has had a strong focus on embedding a culture of conversation being a core component of our performance management framework.  This includes delivering a training program to employees and managers to enhance their skills to have critical conversations as well as providing resources and online tools to support employees and managers to document priorities and outcomes.

Executive PerformanceExecutive performance continues to be monitored through the enhanced executive performance reporting process, with all executives completing formal performance management reviews as at 30 June 2022.

Work health, safety and return to work programs

Program namePerformance
Influenza Vaccination Program

The percentage of employees participating in the 2022 Influenza Vaccination Program was 50%, a slight decrease from 2021.

The 2022 program consisted of 17 worksite sessions and was complimented by a large pharmacy voucher system.

Employee Assistance Program

Seven worksites utilise the onsite walk and talk service.  The traditional face to face service has an average utilisation rate of 2.4%.

The effectiveness of the program is based on feedback received through customer satisfaction surveys.  Respondents indicated that 90% were satisfied with the service provided.

Wellbeing ProgramIn addition to the Influenza Program and COVID-19 vaccination support program the Department supports workers participating in the Corporate Cup with 113 workers participating in 2021.
Rehabilitation Programs (Return to Work Program)

The Department’s Injury Management and Return to Work Program (Rehabilitation) is administered by the Department of Treasury and Finance Work Injury Services.  The Department works in close collaboration with all parties to facilitate successful return to work outcomes for all involved.

The Department’s Early Intervention Program continues to play an essential role in ensuring injured workers get the support they need as soon as possible.

Workplace injury claimsCurrent year
2021-2022

Past year

2020-2021

% Change
(+ / -)
Total new workplace injury claims5572-24%
Fatalities000
Seriously injured workers*01-100%
Significant injuries (where lost time exceeds a working week, expressed as frequency rate per 1000 FTE)2.6810.8-75%

*Number of claimants assessed during the reporting period as having a whole person impairment of 30% or more under the Return to Work Act 2014 (Part 2 Division 5)

Work health and safety regulationsCurrent year
2021-2022

Past year

2020-2021

% Change
(+ / -)
Number of notifiable incidents (Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Part 3)2630-13%
Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195)

0

14-100%
Return to work costs**

Current year

2021-2022

Past year

2020-2021

% Change
(+ / -)
Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($)$3.64 million$3.91 million-7%
Income support payments – gross ($)$1.04 million$1.23 million-15%

**before third party recovery.

Data for previous years is available at: DATA SA: Work Health & Safety and Return to Work Performance for the Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Executive employment in the agency

Executive classificationNumber of executives
EXEC0F1
SAES134
SAES214

Data for previous years is available at: Executive Employment in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport - 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.