South Australia s Strategic Plan. Progress Report 2012

Transcription

1 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 South Australia s Strategic Plan Audit Committee September 212

2 Audit Committee Secretariat Department of the Premier and Cabinet GPO Box 2343 Adelaide SA 5 Cover image courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission. This report is printed on FSC certified paper, manufactured using responsible forestry practices.

3 Contents Preface 2 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 13 Background 13 Target Rating System 13 Rating Progress 14 Rating Achievability 14 Targets with Dual Ratings 14 Notes on the Data 14 Key Measures 15 Supplementary Measures 15 Disaggregated Data 15 Recommendations 15 Terminology 15 Report Card 16 Our Community 16 Our Prosperity 65 Our Environment 13 Our Health 134 Our Education 146 Our Ideas 156 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations 164 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 1

4 Preface This report was prepared in the period May August 212 but reflects a much longer, close involvement with South Australia s Strategic Plan. The South Australia s Strategic Plan Audit Committee was established in 24 to advise on interpretation and measurement issues associated with the Plan targets. In 26 the Committee produced its first report on progress towards the original targets. The Committee and its members have subsequently played a role in advising on the measurability of proposed targets for the updated versions of the Plan that were released in 27 and 211. This report is the Committee s fourth biennial Progress Report, fulfilling the South Australian Government s commitment to publish results for the targets every two years, and is the first in relation to the 211 update of the Plan. The Committee has been fortunate in the quality of its membership over many years. We particularly acknowledge the commitment and contributions of recently retired Committee members Janet Giles, Dr Ian Chessell and Dr Suzanne Miller who brought valuable insights, expertise from diverse experiences and rigour to the Committee s deliberations. The Committee is a small, independent group that operates on a part-time basis. We are therefore heavily reliant on the support of others. We acknowledge the significant assistance provided by the secretariat in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, led by Chris McGowan. In particular, we appreciate the dedication, talent and professionalism of the principal drafter of the report, Nichole Hunter, and Adam Marafioti, and the high quality of their work in coordinating the data collection and analysis for the Committee. Finally, the Committee acknowledges the cooperation it has received from South Australian Government agencies, through the provision of data and presentations on specific issues with the targets and measures. Mr Bill Cossey AM, Chair Dr Leanna Read Dr Anu Mundkur Professor Don Bursill Mr Tim Kelly Mr Gary Niedorfer South Australia s Strategic Plan Audit Committee September South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

5 Executive Summary Background The latest update of South Australia s Strategic Plan (SASP) was released in September 211. The 211 SASP contains 1 targets, grouped under six priority areas Our Community, Our Prosperity, Our Environment, Our Health, Our Education and Our Ideas. This Progress Report, prepared by the independent SASP Audit Committee, aims to identify targets where progress is on track, and areas where more effort or new approaches are needed. The role of the Audit Committee is to rate the actual progress reported, based on the best information available, and to provide an assessment of achievability. The Committee has not been provided with detailed information about government agencies plans to achieve these targets (nor any non-government plans for that matter) and makes no comments about the adequacy of those plans. Methodology Consistent with previous SASP Progress Reports, the Audit Committee has adopted a two-part rating system to assess (a) progress (positive movement, steady/no movement, negative movement, new/modified target baseline established or unclear) and (b) achievability (achieved, on track, within reach, unlikely, not reached, new/modified target baseline established or unclear) on the key measure for each target. The progress rating for each target is determined by comparing the most recent data against the established baseline data. The Audit Committee generally determines the achievability rating by considering average annual growth rates; that is, comparing the rate required in the future to achieve the target against average annual growth rates from the baseline year to the most recent data point. The Audit Committee has also made a number of recommendations intended to strengthen the SASP and improve the measurement of some of the targets. As a general comment, the Audit Committee notes the community engagement processes that have featured in updates of SASP and considers that consultation is important to ensure that targets are developed that meet the SMART criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. A full list of the Committee s recommendations is included at the end of this report. Summary of results The following table summarises the progress and achievability ratings of all 1 SASP targets. While the majority of SASP targets have only one element, a few have multiple related, but distinctly separate, components (for example, T87 Reading, writing and numeracy has two components students performing above national minimum standards and students achieving in the higher proficiency bands). In these situations, the Audit Committee has given each separate component of the target its own rating. There are eight targets where the Audit Committee has given separate ratings for different parts of the target. Therefore, a total of 18 ratings have been given for the 1 targets. Progress ratings: Positive movement 49 Steady or no movement 23 Negative movement 9 New/modified target baseline established 19 Unclear (no data or no new data) 8 Achievability ratings: Achieved On track 22 Within reach 34 Unlikely 23 Not reached (within the target timeframe) 1 New/modified target baseline established 19 Unclear (no data or no new data) 9 The remainder of this report is divided into six sections, corresponding to the six SASP priority areas. An overview and a summary of the target ratings is included at the beginning of each section. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 3

6 Executive Summary Our Community The Our Community priority area includes the following visions: our communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit; everyone has a place to call home; strong families help build communities; we are safe in our homes, community and at work; and we are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. The Our Community priority area includes 33 targets. These 33 targets have been given 35 separate ratings which are summarised in the following table. As shown, 16 targets received progress ratings of positive movement, seven are rated as steady or no movement and two as negative movement. Six targets are rated as on track, 14 are within reach and five are unlikely to be achieved. Ten targets are unable to be rated because they are new or modified targets and only baseline data is available or are unclear due to the absence of any new data. For many of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach. Highlights include a substantial reduction in state-wide crime rates of 38% between 22 3 and (T17) and significant progress towards the greater safety at work target (T21). There have also been decreases in road fatalities and serious injuries (T22), ensuring that South Australia is well positioned to achieve these targets. The proportion of South Australian Year 1 students reading at an age-appropriate level has increased for all students (T14) and Aboriginal students (T15), although this needs to be considered in the context of other targets discussed under Our Education, which indicate that the overall picture is not as positive. The number of people with a disability in stable supported community accommodation has also increased and the 22 target is on track to be achieved (T11). There has also been increased attendance at selected arts activities (T3). While the proportion of low birth weight babies in the general population has remained relatively stable, the proportion in the Aboriginal population has decreased (T26). For both groups, achievement of the 22 targets is considered to be within reach. The proportion of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community has remained stable, at above 85% between 28 and 212 (T5) and South Australia has maintained a low level of repeat offenders relative to other Australian jurisdictions in recent years (T19) such that both targets are within reach. While the level of formal and informal volunteering has decreased slightly from the 26 baseline, the targeted level of 7% remains within reach (T24). As noted above, the Audit Committee has assessed five targets in this priority area as unlikely to be achieved. The tourism target of $8 billion in total tourism expenditure in South Australia by 22 (T4) is in this category, although there has been positive movement with expenditure increasing from $3.77 billion in 22 to $4.73 billion in 211. There has been growth in the proportion of women members and chairs of government boards and committees but reaching the 5% target remains a challenge (T3 and T31). The level of community satisfaction with government services has remained stable such that achievement of the targeted 1% increase by 214 seems unlikely (T32). The target of leading the nation in terms of affordable housing has been rated as unlikely to be achieved, given the significant fluctuations in the data from year to year (T7). The number of Aboriginal people undertaking leadership development activities has decreased (T28) and the Audit Committee considers achievement of this target to be unlikely. The Audit Committee has rated the target of improving the overall wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians as positive movement and within reach, on the basis that there has been positive movement in the majority of the suite of indicators used to measure the target (T6). However, the Committee also advises that this should be treated with some caution, noting that there has been no, or negative, movement in relation to the indicators in a number of significant areas, such as mortality rates for children under five years old and imprisonment rates. 4 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

7 Executive Summary Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 1. Urban spaces New target baseline established New target 2. Cycling New target baseline established New target 3. Cultural vibrancy arts activities Positive movement On track 4. Tourism industry (total) Tourism industry (Kangaroo Island) Positive movement Unclear (no reliable data) Unlikely Unclear 5. Multiculturalism Steady or no movement On track 6. Aboriginal wellbeing Positive movement Within reach 7. Affordable housing Steady or no movement Unlikely 8. Housing stress Modified target baseline established Modified target 9. Aboriginal housing Positive movement On track 1. Homelessness Unclear (no new data) Unclear 11. Housing for people with disabilities Positive movement On track 12. Early childhood Unclear (no new data) Unclear 13. Work-life balance Steady or no movement Within reach 14. Early childhood Year 1 literacy Positive movement Within reach 15. Aboriginal education early years Positive movement Within reach 16. Economic disadvantage Positive movement Within reach 17. State-wide crime rates Positive movement On track 18. Violence against women New target baseline established New target 19. Repeat offending Steady or no movement Within reach 2. Bushfire preparedness Positive movement Within reach 21. Greater safety at work Positive movement On track 22. Road safety Positive movement Within reach 23. Social participation New target baseline established New target 24. Volunteering Negative movement Within reach 25. Support for people with a disability Positive movement Within reach 26. Early childhood birth weight (All) Early childhood birth weight (Aboriginal) Steady or no movement Positive movement Within reach Within reach 27. Understanding of Aboriginal culture Steady or no movement Within reach 28. Aboriginal leadership Negative movement Unlikely 29. Elections Modified target baseline established Modified target 3. Boards and committees Positive movement Within reach 31. Chairs of boards and committees Positive movement Unlikely 32. Customer and client satisfaction with government services Steady or no movement Unlikely 33. Government planning decisions Modified target baseline established Modified target South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 5

8 Executive Summary Our Prosperity The Our Prosperity priority area includes the following visions: a strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths; we have a skilled and sustainable workforce; and South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. The Our Prosperity priority area includes 25 targets. These 25 targets have been given 27 separate ratings which are outlined in the following table. As shown, 12 targets received progress ratings of positive movement, five are rated as steady or no movement and five as negative movement. In terms of achievability, six targets are rated as on track, ten are within reach, five are unlikely to be achieved and one was not reached. Five targets are unable to be rated because they are new or modified targets and only baseline data is available or are unclear due to the absence of any new data. For many of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target seems likely (on track or within reach). South Australia s labour productivity growth is ahead of the national average (T36). Growth in the defence and mining industries is reflected in the ratings for targets in those areas (T41, T42 and T43). The South Australian food industry contributed $13.7 billion to the State s economy in and is on track to achieve the $2 billion target by 22 (T4). The proportion of women in leadership positions in the South Australian public sector has increased (T52), as has the proportion of Aboriginal people in the public sector (T53). On the most recent data, the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal unemployment rates has narrowed such that the target of halving the gap by 218 is considered within reach, although some caution is appropriate given the apparent volatility of the measure (T51). In relation to the competitive business climate target (T39), Adelaide has maintained its ranking as first of the four Australian cities surveyed. Adelaide s position internationally has declined in recent years, although it should be noted that this is in similar manner to other Australian cities and is reflective in large part of the strong appreciation of the Australian dollar relative to other major currencies. While the most recent data indicate that the proportion of South Australians aged 6 to 69 years participating in the workforce is similar to the baseline level at around 4%, the Audit Committee considers the 22 target of 5% is within reach (T48) provided that continued effort is directed to this area. South Australia s economic growth rate of 22% between 22 3 and was less than the national rate of 26% over that period. However, given that South Australia s rate has exceeded the national rate on a number of occasions since the baseline year, the target of exceeding the national rate over the period to 22 (T35) is still considered to be within reach. On the latest data, the gap between the South Australian and Australian unemployment rates is similar to the gap recorded in the baseline year but, allowing for fluctuations in the data, the target of maintaining equal or lower than the Australian average through to 22 (T49) is considered to remain within reach. In some cases, despite positive movement from the baseline year, targets remain ambitious and are unlikely to be achieved. For example, while there has been an increase in South Australia s population to 1.6 million in June 211, attainment of the target of two million by 227 appears unlikely (T45). Similarly, despite growth in South Australia s export income, attainment of the targeted $25 billion by 22 is considered unlikely (T37). There has been little change in the proportion of year olds engaged full-time in school, post-school education, training or employment from the baseline of 78.6% in June 23, such that the target of 85% by 22 is considered unlikely to be achieved (T54). South Australia s employment growth rate has declined according to the latest data, making achievement of the target of increasing employment by 2% per annum over the period 21 to 216 unlikely (T47). Similarly, South Australia s ratio of business investment as a percentage of the economy has declined relative to the Australian average (T38) and the target is unlikely to be achieved. One target in this section, to maintain South Australia s AAA credit rating (T34), was not reached, as Standard and Poor s downgraded South Australia s credit rating in 212 to its second highest level of AA+. 6 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

9 Executive Summary Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 34. Credit rating Negative movement Not reached 35. Economic growth Negative movement Within reach 36. Labour productivity Positive movement On track 37. Total exports Positive movement Unlikely 38. Business investment Negative movement Unlikely 39. Competitive business climate (Adelaide s position within Australia) Competitive business climate (Adelaide s position internationally) Steady or no movement Negative movement On track Within reach 4. Food industry Positive movement On track 41. Minerals exploration Positive movement On track 42. Minerals production and processing Positive movement Within reach 43. Defence industry (employment) Defence industry (economy) Positive movement Unclear (no new data) On track Unclear 44. Aboriginal lands native title Positive movement Within reach 45. Total population Positive movement Unlikely 46. Regional population levels Steady or no movement Within reach 47. Jobs Negative movement Unlikely 48. Ageing workforce participation Steady or no movement Within reach 49. Unemployment Steady or no movement Within reach 5. People with disability Modified target baseline established Modified target 51. Aboriginal unemployment Positive movement Within reach 52. Women Positive movement Within reach 53. Aboriginal employees Positive movement Within reach 54. Learning or earning Steady or no movement Unlikely 55. Apprentices Positive movement On track 56. Strategic infrastructure Modified target baseline established Modified target 57. Broadband access Modified target baseline established Modified target 58. Online business New target baseline established New target South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 7

10 Executive Summary Our Environment The Our Environment priority area includes the following visions: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change; we look after our natural environment; and we value and protect our water resources. The Our Environment priority area includes 19 targets. The 2 ratings given to these targets are detailed in the following table. As shown, 13 targets received progress ratings of positive movement, and four are rated as steady or no movement. In terms of achievability, seven targets are rated as on track, six are within reach and three are unlikely to be achieved. Four targets are unable to be rated because they are new targets and only baseline data is available or are unclear due to the absence of any new data. For the majority of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach. However, the Audit Committee notes that significant, long-term environmental challenges remain which will not be easy to overcome and will require concerted, sustained effort. Highlights in this section include an improvement of 17% in the energy efficiency of government buildings between 2 1 and (T61); progress in developing regional climate change adaptation plans (T62); an increase in the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources from 4.1% in 24 5 to 22% in (T64); and improvements in sustainable land management (T7). On the most recent available data, South Australia s credit balance on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority salinity register is $4.69 million per year, such that the target to maintain a positive balance (T77) has been rated on track. South Australia is also on track to achieve the targets related to harvesting recycled stormwater (T73) and recycled wastewater (T74). The amount of waste to landfill has reduced from megatonnes in 22 3 to 1.84 megatonnes in and the targeted 35% reduction by 22 (T67) remains within reach. In assessing the GreenPower target (T65) of purchasing renewable energy for 5% of the Government s own electricity needs by 214, the Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement on the basis that the Government s current electricity contracts include requirements for 2% accredited GreenPower and this has not changed from the baseline year of However, in assessing achievability the Committee has departed from its usual method due to the nature of this target, which is essentially within the Government s direct sphere of influence. The Committee has rated achievability as within reach on the basis of additional information provided to it that the Government will incorporate the higher GreenPower requirement of at least 5% into future electricity contracts when they are re-negotiated. The energy efficiency of dwellings in South Australia has improved from the baseline year, but the targeted 15% improvement by 22 remains ambitious and is considered unlikely to be achieved (T6). In relation to the sustainable water use target (T75), the most recent data indicate that 35 of the water management areas in South Australia are managed within sustainable limits. The target is for all 67 areas to be managed within sustainable limits by 218. This is an ambitious target, and based on the data to date, the Audit Committee has assessed it as unlikely to be achieved. The lose no species target (T69) has also been assessed as unlikely to be achieved. The Audit Committee has based this on the significant declines over recent years in some species such as the Australian Sea-Lion, Giant Cuttlefish, Murray Hardyhead, Malleefowl and Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren, coupled with the strict wording of the target, which the Committee has interpreted to mean that the loss of any one species at any time in the future would mean that the target is not achieved. The Audit Committee has rated the target on greenhouse gas emissions reduction (T59) as positive movement on the basis that emissions have reduced from 32.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the baseline year of 199 to 3.4 megatonnes in 21. Given the long-term nature of the target, which is to reduce emissions by 6% of 199 levels by 25, the Committee considered it is too early to accurately assess if South Australia is on track and that an assessment of within reach is appropriate at this stage. 8 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

11 Executive Summary Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 59. Greenhouse gas emissions reduction Positive movement Within reach 6. Energy efficiency dwellings Positive movement Unlikely 61. Energy efficiency government buildings Positive movement Within reach 62. Climate change adaptation Positive movement On track 63. Use of public transport Positive movement Within reach 64. Renewable energy Positive movement On track 65. GreenPower Steady or no movement Within reach 66. Emissions intensity New target baseline established New target 67. Zero waste Positive movement Within reach 68. Urban development New target baseline established New target 69. Lose no species Steady or no movement Unlikely 7. Sustainable land management (agricultural land) Sustainable land management (pastoral land) Positive movement Positive movement On track Within reach 71. Marine biodiversity Positive movement Unclear (no data) 72. Nature conservation New target baseline established New target 73. Recycled stormwater Positive movement On track 74. Recycled wastewater Positive movement On track 75. Sustainable water use Steady or no movement Unlikely 76. River Murray flows Positive movement On track 77. River Murray salinity Steady or no movement On track South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212 9

12 Executive Summary Our Health The Our Health priority area focuses on the vision that we are active in looking after our health. This includes by making healthy choices in how we live, by educating young people about healthy living, by being physically active and assisting people to deal with all forms of illness and to live a satisfying life where they can contribute to their community. The Our Health priority area includes nine targets. The eleven ratings given to these targets are detailed below. As shown, two targets received progress ratings of positive movement and four are rated as steady or no movement. In terms of achievability, one is rated as on track and five are unlikely to be achieved. Five targets are unable to be rated because they are new or modified targets and only baseline data is available or are unclear due to the absence of any new data. The proportion of South Australians who drink alcohol at risky levels has decreased from 3.5% in 27 to 26.9% in 211 such that we are on track to achieve the targeted reduction by 22 (T81). The proportion of emergency department patients attended to, and discharged or admitted, within four hours has improved from 59.4% in to 64.6% in , but it is unlikely that the target level of 9% in will be reached (T84). The smoking rate has been relatively steady and the targeted reduction to 1% of the population by 218 appears unlikely to be achieved (T8). The proportion of South Australian adults and children who are a healthy weight has remained relatively stable from the baseline year such that achievement of the targeted increases of five percentage points by 217 is considered unlikely (T82). The proportion of South Australians with a chronic disease whose self-assessed health status is good or better has moved little since the 23 baseline year, such that the targeted increase of five percentage points is also considered unlikely to be achieved (T85). Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 78. Healthy South Australians Unclear (no new data) Unclear 79. Aboriginal healthy life expectancy Unclear (no new data) Unclear 8. Smoking (Total population) Smoking (Aboriginal population) Steady or no movement Modified target baseline established Unlikely Modified target 81. Alcohol consumption Positive movement On track 82. Healthy weight (Adults) Healthy weight (Children) Steady or no movement Steady or no movement Unlikely Unlikely 83. Sport and recreation Unclear (no data) Unclear 84. Health service standard Positive movement Unlikely 85. Chronic disease Steady or no movement Unlikely 86. Psychological wellbeing Unclear (no new data) Unclear 1 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

13 Executive Summary Our Education The Our Education priority area includes the vision that South Australians are the best teachers and learners. The Our Education priority area sets out seven targets, which have been given eight ratings that are detailed below. As shown, three targets received progress ratings of positive movement, three are rated as steady or no movement and one as negative movement. In terms of achievability, one target is rated as on track, three are within reach and three are unlikely to be achieved. One target was modified in the 211 SASP update and has only baseline data available. For two of the targets there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach: the proportion of young people completing the South Australian Certificate of Education or equivalent has increased from 62.6% in 25 to 75.2% in 211 (T89) and the proportion of 15 to 64 year olds participating in tertiary education and training has increased slightly from the 29 baseline year (T93). The proportion of South Australian students performing above the National Minimum Standard in reading, writing and numeracy in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 has remained relatively steady since the baseline year of 28 but the target of a five percentage point increase by 22 is considered to still be within reach (T87); the Audit Committee is concerned, however, about the lack of improvement to date and the proportion of students which the data show performing at or below the national minimum standard. The number of students completing undergraduate qualifications in specified science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of education has also remained relatively stable in recent years, at approximately 3, per annum, but the target of 3,6 per annum by 22 is still considered within reach (T92). The number of overseas students in South Australia increased from 13,737 in 23 to 34,297 in 21, but then decreased to 31,334 in 211, such that achievement of the target of 45, students by 214 now appears unlikely (T9). The proportion of South Australians in the labour force with non-school qualifications has also grown, from 51.1% in 22 to 58.5% in 211, but remains less than the national average of 62% and the target of equalling or bettering the national average by 214 remains unlikely (T91). The number of students receiving an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank based on results in at least one mathematics or science subject has decreased from 3,973 in 23 to 3,347 in 211 and achievement of the targeted 15% increase by 22 is unlikely (T88). Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 87. Reading, writing and numeracy (National Minimum Standards) Reading, writing and numeracy (higher proficiency bands) Steady or no movement Modified target baseline established Within reach Modified target 88. Science and maths Negative movement Unlikely 89. SACE or equivalent Positive movement On track 9. Share of overseas students Positive movement Unlikely 91. Non-school qualifications Steady or no movement Unlikely 92. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics qualifications Steady or no movement Within reach 93. Tertiary education and training Positive movement Within reach South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

14 Executive Summary Our Ideas The Our Ideas priority area focuses on the vision that South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. The Our Ideas priority area includes seven targets, which have been given the ratings set out below. As shown, three targets received progress ratings of positive movement and one is rated as negative movement. In terms of achievability, one target is rated as on track, one is within reach and two are unlikely to be achieved. Three targets in this priority area were modified during the 211 SASP update (T94 Venture capital; T95 Industry collaboration, research and development commercialisation; and T96 Public research expenditure). There is only baseline data available for these targets and the Audit Committee has therefore not assessed progress or achievability. The value of university research income has grown from 17.7% above South Australia s per capita share in 28 to 24.7% in 21 and attainment of the target is considered to be on track (T97). South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production has also increased, ensuring that the state is well placed to achieve the target (T1). Expenditure on research and development by business increased from.5% of GSP in 2 1 to 1.16% in 27 8 but has subsequently dropped to.94% in 29 1 such that the targets of 1.5% by 214 and 2.% by 22 are now considered unlikely to be achieved (T98). Similarly, the number of people attending cultural institutions has declined recently and achievement of the targeted increase of 2% appears unlikely (T99). Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 94. Venture Capital Modified target baseline established Modified target 95. Industry collaboration, research and development commercialisation Modified target baseline established Modified target 96. Public research expenditure Modified target baseline established Modified target 97. University research income Positive movement On track 98. Business research expenditure Positive movement Unlikely 99. Cultural engagement institutions Negative movement Unlikely 1. Screen industry Positive movement Within reach 12 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

15 Introduction Background South Australia s Strategic Plan (SASP) was first released by the Government of South Australia in March 24. The Plan s targets reflect South Australia s aspirations for where we want to be as a state in the future. Targets are grouped under the following six priority areas: Our Community Our Prosperity Our Environment Our Health Our Education Our Ideas The Government committed to publish a report on progress against the Plan targets every two years, and it established an independent advisory body, the SASP Audit Committee, to prepare this report. The Audit Committee is comprised of a Chair, appointed by the Premier, one member from each of four key advisory boards and the Regional Director of the Australian Bureau of Statistics in an ex-officio capacity: Mr Bill Cossey AM (Chair) Dr Leanna Read, Economic Development Board Dr Anu Mundkur, Premier s Council for Women Professor Don Bursill, Premier s Science and Industry Council Mr Tim Kelly, Premier s Climate Change Council Mr Gary Niedorfer, Australian Bureau of Statistics. The Audit Committee delivered the first Progress Report in June 26. That report included recommendations to the Government about strengthening SASP to improve some of the original targets where measurement was difficult. These were largely adopted in the updated Plan, released in January 27. Following extensive consultations across South Australia, an updated version of SASP was released in September 211. The Audit Committee acknowledges that SASP is organic. Some targets may need to be fine-tuned from time to time, and targets may be added or removed in the future to ensure the Plan continues to reflect the current goals and visions of the community for the future of South Australia. The 211 SASP contains 1 targets. Twenty-one new targets, drawn from the community engagement process, were included in the updated Plan. Nine targets were removed because other targets were considered as having higher priority. Some of the existing targets were modified to make them more ambitious, more specific or had the timeframe extended to be consistent with the majority of targets across the Plan. This report represents the fourth Progress Report delivered by the Audit Committee, maintaining the South Australian Government s commitment to publish results on the progress of targets every two years. Previous Progress Reports were produced by the Audit Committee in 26, 28 and 21. The original concept of SASP was to inspire and serve as a goad to action for South Australians, to strive for better results than what we might otherwise achieve by a business as usual approach, or by working in isolation. The targets are ambitious and many of them are aspirational. The Audit Committee s task is to report progress towards these targets based on the data available. It is important to note that achievement of some of the targets in SASP is not completely, or even mainly, in the control of the South Australian Government, the state s businesses, or the community. For example, T59 Greenhouse gas emissions reduction, T37 Total exports, and T76 River Murray flows, are affected by national policies, macroeconomic conditions, and the activities of other states respectively. This Progress Report aims to identify targets where progress is on track, and areas where more effort or new approaches are needed. The Audit Committee hopes this information will be useful to businesses, different levels of government, the community sector and the wider citizenry. Achieving the Plan is ultimately the responsibility of, and the reward for, all South Australians. Target Rating System This Progress Report continues to use a two-part rating system, adopted by the Audit Committee in 28, to assess the 1 SASP targets. This includes separate ratings for progress observed to date, and achievability, which is the Audit Committee s assessment about how likely it is that the target will be reached within the target s timeframe. The rating scale is: Progress ratings: Positive movement Steady or no movement Negative movement New/modified target baseline established Unclear (no data or no new data) Achievability ratings: Achieved On track Within reach Unlikely Not reached (within the target timeframe) New/modified target baseline established Unclear (no data or no new data) South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

16 Introduction The role of the Audit Committee is to rate the actual progress reported, based on the best information available, and to provide an assessment of achievability. The Committee has not been provided with detailed information about government agencies plans to achieve these targets (nor any non-government plans for that matter) and makes no comments about the adequacy of those plans. For example, while the Audit Committee is aware of the seven strategic priorities announced by the Government in February 212 and notes their connections to a number of SASP targets, the Committee makes no comment on the initiatives that are being planned or implemented. Rating Progress The progress rating for each target is determined by comparing the most recent data against the established baseline data, which may be from some years ago. This can mean that a target is rated as positive movement or steady or no movement when there was negative movement in the last period or several periods (see, for example, T98 Business research expenditure). In making assessments of progress, the Audit Committee has generally taken a literal interpretation of the target, particularly where comparisons are made between South Australia and Australia. For example, if the target is about South Australia reaching or exceeding a national level, and there has been progress both in South Australia and for Australia, the Audit Committee has only given a progress rating of positive movement where the gap has clearly been reduced. If the gap remains the same or has widened, a progress rating of steady or no movement or negative movement has been given, even though there may have been an improvement in absolute terms in the South Australian level. Note also that, where South Australia s performance is already better than the Australian average, a widening of that gap is clearly a positive development. It should also be noted that the particular wording of a target may mean that steady or no movement is a desirable rating. For example, T39 Competitive business climate has been rated as steady or no movement because Adelaide has retained its rating as the least costly place to set up and do business in Australia, a rating which it also held in the baseline year. Rating Achievability The Audit Committee has generally determined the achievability rating by considering average annual growth rates; that is, comparing the rate required in the future to achieve the target against average annual growth rates from the baseline year to the most recent data point. The average annual growth rate is the rate at which the target measure has increased over the measurement period if it had grown at the same rate each year. 1 A target is considered on track if the rate achieved from the baseline year to the most recent data recorded is higher than the rate required in the future to achieve the target. The exceptions to this are targets: that are expressed in terms of growth of a percentage; where progress is not expected to be at a uniform rate; and where more recent progress is not consistent with the average annual growth rate since the baseline year. A rating of within reach means either that: 1. progress to date has been insufficient to warrant a rating of on track (although it might be a marginal call, and progress may be significant) or 2. while the Audit Committee is not sufficiently confident about progress to give a rating of on track, nevertheless it believes that progress to date is sufficient to provide confidence that achievement of the target remains within reach. Where the Audit Committee has rated a target as unlikely to be achieved, the Committee notes that there may be strategies that are in place or will be implemented that could lead to a more positive assessment, and re-categorisation, of the target in the future. In cases where the target date is worded to be achieved by a certain year (for example, by 22), the Audit Committee has interpreted this to mean by the end of that year (that is, 31 December or the last time period of the year for which data is measured). Targets with dual ratings While the majority of SASP targets have only one rating, a few have multiple related, but distinctly separate, components. In these situations the Audit Committee has given each separate component of the target its own rating. For example, T26 Early childhood birth weight, has separate ratings for all South Australians and for Aboriginal South Australians, while T87 Reading, writing and numeracy, has separate ratings for national minimum standards and higher proficiency bands. Notes on the data The target measures in SASP represent a set of indicators that are meaningful to the broad community as a way to define the progress of our State, in a broad sense. The Audit Committee s role also includes making recommendations about the best way to measure targets in line with their original intent, but all data sources are invariably subject to limitations. For example, any survey data will have a level of uncertainty, because it is not generally feasible to survey the entire population. Where survey data is used, that uncertainty is represented on the graphs in this report, (1/No. of years)-1 1. Average Annual Growth Rate = (Ending Value / Beginning Value) 14 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

17 Introduction where available, using black I-shaped error bars to indicate 95 per cent confidence intervals. This means that one can be 95 per cent confident that the actual level lies within the range indicated by the error bar. Some data sources are also subject to periodic revision, which can affect previously published numbers. In most cases these revisions are minor and have no bearing on the target rating; they have not all been individually mentioned here, but all graphs include the most recently available data. The SASP Household Survey is the data source for a number of targets. This survey, commissioned by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and conducted by an independent service provider, is a telephone survey of approximately 6, South Australian households to collect data to measure a range of targets in SASP for which no other suitable data source exists. The large sample size allows results to be disaggregated by demographic variables, including by region, sex and age group. The most recent SASP Household Survey was conducted in the first half of 212 and provided data for T1 Urban spaces, T5 Multiculturalism, T23 Social participation, T24 Volunteering and T32 Customer and client satisfaction with government services. Previous SASP Household Surveys were conducted in 28, 29 and 21. The full reports of the SASP Household Surveys can be found on the SASP website ( Key measures SASP specifies a key measure and corresponding data source for each of the 1 targets. Most targets are expressed as achieving or maintaining a specified level or ratio of performance, or improving or maintaining it, within a set time frame. All SASP targets have a specified baseline year, although the year used varies from target to target. Some targets are measured in calendar years, others in financial years, while a few targets are measured in two or more years, depending on how data for a particular target is reported. For most targets, the relevant reporting period is from the baseline year up to and including the most recent available data. The baseline year is indicated on each graph (usually in the form of a green line) and indicates the commencement of the reporting period. Supplementary measures Some SASP targets have associated supplementary measures, which are relevant and meaningful to consider alongside the key measure. In general the Audit Committee has focused on the key measures for a target and has limited the inclusion of supplementary measures in this Progress Report. These supplementary measures have all been referenced in this Report. Supplementary measures for other targets have generally only been included by the Audit Committee if: a target s key measure is unclear due to a lack of reliable or up-to-date data; or a supplementary measure adds richness to, or improves the understanding of, a target s key measure. Supplementary measures do not have a baseline year or target year. As a result, the Audit Committee does not provide supplementary measures with a rating. Additional supplementary measures can be found on the SASP website ( Disaggregated data As with supplementary measures, disaggregated data has generally only been included by the Audit Committee where it adds richness to, or improves the understanding of, a target s key measure. However, where available, the SASP website ( provides disaggregated data for targets according to gender, age, region, Aboriginality and disability status. Recommendations The Audit Committee has made recommendations about some targets in order to improve the measures used so that progress can be reported in the most reliable way. This includes the small number of targets rated as unclear as the Committee has been unable to rate progress or achievability, because the data source specified in SASP is no longer available, reliable or meaningful. The Audit Committee also considers that there are some instances where the target wording could be strengthened, for example by including a more specific level of increase to be reached and a specific timeframe, and it provides recommendations on these targets for consideration in the next SASP update process. Terminology The term Aboriginal has been used throughout this document to include all Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in South Australia. Where ATSI is used as a data label it refers to people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin who have identified as such. Where statistical sources use the term ATSI or Indigenous as a data label, we have preserved it on graphs presented in this report, for reporting consistency. The term non- ATSI refers to people who are not of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. The 211 SASP specifies six supplementary measures, spread across four targets (T29 Elections, T45 Total population, T49 Unemployment and T69 Lose no species). South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

18 Our Community Overview The Our Community priority area includes the following visions: our communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit; everyone has a place to call home; strong families help build communities; we are safe in our homes, community and at work; and we are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. For many of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach. Highlights include reductions in statewide crime rates (T17), road fatalities and serious injuries (T22) and significant progress towards the greater safety at work target (T21). The proportion of South Australian Year 1 students reading at an ageappropriate level has increased for all students (T14) and Aboriginal students (T15), although this needs to be considered in the context of other targets discussed under Our Education, which indicate that the overall picture is not as positive. The number of people with a disability in stable supported community accommodation has also increased and the 22 target is on track to be achieved (T11). There has also been increased attendance at selected arts activities (T3). While the proportion of low birth weight babies in the general population has remained relatively stable, the proportion in the Aboriginal population has decreased (T26) and, for both groups, achievement of the 22 targets is considered to be within reach. The proportion of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community has remained stable (T5) and South Australia has maintained a low level of repeat offenders relative to other Australian jurisdictions in recent years (T19) such that both targets are within reach. While the level of formal and informal volunteering has decreased slightly from the 26 baseline, the targeted level of 7% remains within reach (T24). Five targets in this priority area appear unlikely to be achieved. These include targets related to the tourism industry (T4) and the proportion of women who are chairs of government boards and committees (T31), although there has been positive movement from the baseline years for each of these targets. The level of community satisfaction with government services has remained stable such that achievement of the targeted 1% increase by 214 seems unlikely (T32). The target of leading the nation in terms of affordable housing has been rated as unlikely to be achieved, given the significant fluctuations in the data from year to year (T7). The number of Aboriginal people undertaking leadership development activities has decreased and achievement of the target in this area also appears to be unlikely (T28). The target of improving the overall wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians has been rated as positive movement and within reach, on the basis that there has been positive movement in the majority of the suite of indicators used to measure the target. However, this should be treated with some caution, as there has been no, or negative, movement in relation to the indicators in a number of significant areas (T6). 16 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

19 Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 1. Urban spaces New target baseline established New target 2. Cycling New target baseline established New target 3. Cultural vibrancy arts activities Positive movement On track 4. Tourism industry (total) Tourism industry (Kangaroo Island) Positive movement Unclear (no reliable data) Unlikely Unclear 5. Multiculturalism Steady or no movement On track 6. Aboriginal wellbeing Positive movement Within reach 7. Affordable housing Steady or no movement Unlikely 8. Housing stress Modified target baseline established Modified target 9. Aboriginal housing Positive movement On track 1. Homelessness Unclear (no new data) Unclear 11. Housing for people with disabilities Positive movement On track 12. Early childhood Unclear (no new data) Unclear 13. Work-life balance Steady or no movement Within reach 14. Early childhood Year 1 literacy Positive movement Within reach 15. Aboriginal education early years Positive movement Within reach 16. Economic disadvantage Positive movement Within reach 17. State-wide crime rates Positive movement On track 18. Violence against women New target baseline established New target 19. Repeat offending Steady or no movement Within reach 2. Bushfire preparedness Positive movement Within reach 21. Greater safety at work Positive movement On track 22. Road safety Positive movement Within reach 23. Social participation New target baseline established New target 24. Volunteering Negative movement Within reach 25. Support for people with a disability Positive movement Within reach 26. Early childhood birth weight (All) Early childhood birth weight (Aboriginal) Steady or no movement Positive movement Within reach Within reach 27. Understanding of Aboriginal culture Steady or no movement Within reach 28. Aboriginal leadership Negative movement Unlikely 29. Elections Modified target baseline established Modified target 3. Boards and committees Positive movement Within reach 31. Chairs of boards and committees Positive movement Unlikely 32. Customer and client satisfaction with government services Steady or no movement Unlikely 33. Government planning decisions Modified target baseline established Modified target South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

20 Our Community Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. T1 Urban spaces: Increase the use of public spaces by the community. New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure Mean number of times respondents visited specific public spaces per month in the last 12 months (212 baseline) Mean number of visits per month South Australia Baseline 1 Data source: SASP Household Survey. This is a new SASP target. Baseline data is available from the 212 SASP Household Survey. 2 The Audit Committee has not rated progress or achievability for this target as there is no data available beyond the baseline year. For the purposes of this measure, public spaces includes beaches, rivers, parks, cycling or walking paths, community gardens, public gardens, outdoor community spaces and outdoor recreational and sporting facilities. Survey respondents reported visiting these types of public spaces an average of 13.9 times per month in the last 12 months. Parks and cycling or walking paths were the most commonly visited types of public spaces. 2. Further information about the SASP Household Survey is available in the introduction to this report. 18 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

21 Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. Our Community Cycling: Double the number of people cycling in South Australia by 22. T2 New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure Number of people cycling in South Australia (211 baseline) 7, 6, 5, Number of people 4, 3, 2, 1, South Australia 299, Target 598, Baseline 35, Data source: National Cycling Participation Survey 211. This is a new SASP target. The key measure for this target is a national cycling survey that is conducted every two years. To date, only data for the 211 baseline year is available. Results from the next national survey will be available in March 213. The Audit Committee has therefore not been able to assess progress or achievability for this target. In 211, 299, of South Australian residents rode a bicycle in a typical week. This equates to 18.1% of the population. Disaggregated data on cycling participation by South Australian residents is available from the SASP website ( Key findings include: cycling participation was significantly higher amongst residents of regional South Australia than metropolitan Adelaide (21.9% and 16.4% respectively). children had the highest levels of cycling participation, while persons aged 4 years and over had the lowest. About 57% of children aged less than 1 years rode each week, compared to 29% of 1 17 year olds, 16% of year olds and 8% of those aged 4 and over. there was a gender difference in the levels of participation, with men and boys more likely to ride a bicycle than women and girls in all age groups, apart from children under 1 years, where participation rates were equal. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

22 Our Community Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. T3 Cultural vibrancy arts activities: Increase the vibrancy of the South Australian arts industry by increasing attendance at selected arts activities by 15% by 22. Positive movement On track Key measure Attendances at selected arts activities in South Australia (July 22 June 24 baseline) 1 9 Attendance numbers (million) South Australia Target Baseline 4. 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June to June Data source: Arts SA, Department of the Premier and Cabinet. This target considers attendance at selected arts activities including: Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Festival of Ideas, Adelaide Film Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust activities, Cabaret Festival, Come Out Festival, Country Arts SA activities, Jam Factory, South Australian Living Artists Festival, Carclew (formerly South Australian Youth Arts Board) activities and Womadelaide. A two-year reporting period is used for this target, because a number of arts events (such as the Adelaide Festival of Ideas and Come Out Festival) are held biennially. While the Adelaide Fringe and the Adelaide Festival were originally held biennially, both will now be held annually (from 27 and 212 respectively). Attendance at arts activities has increased from 4. million in the two years to 24 (the baseline period) to a peak of 8.6 million in the two years to June 211. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. Attendance at selected arts activities increased by 4.7 million from the baseline period to the two years to June 211. A further increase of 1.3 million is required to achieve the target by 22. The Audit Committee considers this to be achievable and has therefore rated this target as on track. 2 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

23 Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. Our Community Tourism industry: Increase visitor expenditure in South Australia s total tourism industry to $8 billion and on Kangaroo Island to $18 million by 22 (milestone of $6.3 billion (total industry) by 214). T4 Total tourism industry Positive movement Unlikely Kangaroo Island tourism industry Unclear (no reliable data) Unclear (no reliable data) Key measure 1 Total tourism expenditure for South Australia (22 baseline) $ billion South Australia Milestone 6.3 Target 8. Baseline 6. Data source: Tourism Research Australia. Total tourism expenditure in South Australia increased from $3.77 billion in 22 (the baseline year) to $4.73 billion in 211. The Audit Committee has therefore assigned a progress rating of positive movement. The average annual growth rate from 22 to 211 was 2.55%. To achieve the 214 milestone requires an average annual growth rate of 1.3%, while achievement of the 22 target requires an average annual growth rate of 6.1%. On the basis of these figures, the Audit Committee has rated achievability as unlikely. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

24 Our Community Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. T4 continued Supplementary measure Kangaroo Island visitor numbers 22, 2, 18, 16, Number of visitors 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, Kangaroo Island 185, 191, Data source: Tourism Optimisation Management Model, Visitor Exit Survey. Data on tourism expenditure on Kangaroo Island is not reliably available. Consequently, the Audit Committee is unable to rate progress or achievability of the target to increase visitor expenditure on the island to $18 million by 22. Supplementary data on the number of tourists visiting Kangaroo Island per annum is regularly available. The number of visitors to Kangaroo Island increased from 185, in December 29 to 191, in December 21. The Audit Committee recommends that further investigation be undertaken as to the potential to obtain data on visitor expenditure on Kangaroo Island. If it is not feasible to regularly and reliably measure visitor expenditure, it is suggested that this target be amended to focus on visitor numbers. This would be consistent with the 211 Economic Development Board report Paradise Girt by Sea, 3 which recommended the adoption of a Five Year Plan with the following two headline targets: a doubling in the number of tourists within a decade; and a doubling in farm-gate income within a decade. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee If tourism expenditure data for Kangaroo Island is not regularly and reliably available, that consideration is given to amending the target as part of the next SASP update process to focus on a more measureable indicator, such as visitor numbers. 3. Belchamber, G., Spencer, R and Worrall, L. (211) Paradise Girt by Sea: Sustainable Economic and Social Development for Kangaroo Island, Economic Development Board: Adelaide, South Australia. 22 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

25 Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. Our Community Multiculturalism: Maintain the high rate of South Australians who believe cultural diversity is a positive influence in the community. T5 Steady or no movement On track Key measure Acceptance of cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community (28 baseline) Per cent South Australia Baseline 5. Data source: SASP Household Survey. 4 In 28 (the baseline year), 87.7% of South Australians accepted cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community. This declined slightly to 85.9% in 212. Given the small fluctuations in the results, the Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement. The Audit Committee has rated achievability as on track as the proportion of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community has remained above 85% over the period 28 to 212. The target articulates the need to maintain the high rate of acceptance and does not specify a target level or time period. The Audit Committee notes that the multiculturalism target in the 27 SASP (T5.8) was to increase the percentage of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community. During the 211 SASP update process the target was modified to focus on maintaining the high rate of acceptance that subsequently emerged from the SASP Household Survey results in 28, 29 and 21. The Audit Committee considers that there is further potential to improve the wording of this target by specifying the level that should be maintained and a timeframe. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of South Australians who believe cultural diversity is a positive influence and a timeframe to achieve this aim. 4. Further information about the SASP Household Survey is contained in the introduction to this report. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

26 Our Community Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. T6 Aboriginal wellbeing: Improve the overall wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians. Positive movement Within reach This target is unchanged from the 27 SASP. A suite of 21 indicators has been used in previous SASP Progress Reports to monitor progress on this target. This approach has been retained for this 212 Progress Report. The suite of indicators was developed by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and approved by the South Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council as a way of measuring wellbeing that is meaningful to Aboriginal people. Many of the indicators are key measures for other SASP targets or are included in the disaggregated data for other targets. Trends against these 21 indicators are shown below, using the following symbols: Positive movement Steady or no movement Negative movement Indicators with no recent progress data available have been rated as unclear. This target has been rated as positive movement on the basis that there has been positive movement in the majority of the indicators listed. The Audit Committee has assessed achievability as within reach, on balance, although this is with some caution as negative movement or no movement has occurred in relation to some indicators in significant areas. For example, the child under five years mortality rate and the imprisonment rate per 1, population have worsened; the Aboriginal labour force participation rate has remained relatively stable (around 5%), as has the pre-school attendance rate (ranging between 83% and 86%). Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That any future targets in the area of Aboriginal wellbeing considered as part of the next SASP update process are made more specific and expressed in terms of closing the gap, for consistency with the targets in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement that has been reached by the Council of Australian Governments. Early Childhood Indicator Movement Comment 1. Pre-school attendance rate (23 baseline) 2. Year 1 age appropriate reading (27 baseline) (T15 key measure) Between 23 and 211, pre-school attendance rates ranged between a low of 83% and a high of 86% per annum. The attendance rate in the 23 baseline year was 83% as compared to 85% in The proportion of Aboriginal Year 1 students reading at an ageappropriate level or better was 29.7% in 27 (the baseline year). This increased slightly to 31.9% in Department for Education and Child Development 6. Department for Education and Child Development 24 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

27 Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. Our Community T6 continued Schooling Indicator Movement Comment 3. Year 7 literacy (28 baseline) (T87 disaggregated data refer SASP website 4. SACE achievement (23 baseline) The proportion of Aboriginal Year 7 students achieving above the National Minimum Standard (NMS) in reading, writing and numeracy fluctuated between 28 (the baseline year) and 211. Focusing on these two data points indicates the reading results increased from 39% in 28 to 46% in 211. The results for numeracy also improved from 38% in 28 to 44% in 211. In 211, 45% of students performed above the NMS in writing. This 211 result should not be compared with the 28 result, as the writing test changed during this period. Given this, the Audit Committee had adopted a cautious approach and rated the overall movement for this indicator as steady. 7 The number of Aboriginal students successfully completing SACE increased from 58 in 23 to 144 in Economic Participation Indicator Movement Comment 5. Unemployment rate (28 baseline) (T51 key measure) 6. Labour force participation rate (23 baseline) 7. Aboriginal public sector employment (proportion) (23 baseline) (T53 key measure) 8. Median gross weekly household income (22 baseline) 9. Vocational education and training attainment (load pass rate) (24 baseline) In 28, the unemployment rate was 18.8%. This decreased to 15.2% in 211. However, there was considerable variation in the figures recorded in the intervening years. 9 In 23, the Aboriginal labour force participation rate was 52.9%. This fell to 51.5% in 27 and then to 49.7% in 28, but increased slightly in 29 to 52.% and again in 21 to 53.7%. 1 The proportion of Aboriginal public servants increased from.92% in 23 to 1.62% in The median gross weekly household income for Aboriginal households increased from $295 in 22 to $369 in 26 and then to $671 in 28. The 28 data is the latest available. 12 The VET load pass rate (which measures the units of competency or modules achieved against the units or modules undertaken) indicates that Aboriginal participants in VET improved their outcomes from a 72.4% load pass rate in 24 to 84.9% in 29 before decreasing slightly to 81.8% in Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood 8. SACE Board Annual Report 9. ABS Labour Force Characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, Estimates from the Labour Force Survey 1. ABS Cat No Labour Force Characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, Estimates from the Labour Force Survey 11. Office for Ethical Standards and Professional Integrity, Workforce Information Collection 12. ABS Cat No National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey 24 5, (unpublished); ABS Cat No National Health Survey 24 5; Summary of Results (unpublished) and 26 Census of Population and Housing, published in Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators reports for 27 (table 3A.6.1) and 29 (table 4A.9.3) 13. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (211). Annual National Report of the Australian Vocational Education and Training System 21. SA Table B.8 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

28 Our Community Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. T6 continued Health Indicator Movement Comment 1. Healthy life expectancy ( baseline) (T79 key measure) 14 Unclear In , the healthy life expectancy of Aboriginal males was 55.4 years. By 24 8, this had increased to 56.8 years. For females the Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) figure was 6.6 years compared with 62. years in More recent data is not currently available. 11. Early childhood birth weight (23 baseline) (T26 key measure) HALE summarises the expected number of years to be lived in the equivalent of full health. This approach quantifies life expectancy within a population with adjustment for years lived in less than full health. 15 The proportion of low birth weight babies decreased from 17.3% in 23 to 16.% in Child under 5 mortality rate The child under 5 years mortality rate increased from (23 7 baseline) 17 deaths per 1, population in to 29.2 per 1, population in Alcohol-related hospitalisations (22 3 baseline) The number of alcohol-related hospital admissions decreased from 7,388.9 per 1, population in 22 3 to 5,82.7 per 1, in before increasing to 6,66.7 in Safe Communities Indicator Movement Comment 14. Aboriginal victim-reported crime (personal offences) (27 8 baseline) 15. Imprisonment rate (23 baseline) In 27 8, the rate of Aboriginal people reporting as victims of personal offences was 52.1 per 1, Aboriginal population. 21 This rate increased marginally to 54.5 per 1, population in The crude rate (not age standardised) increased from 1,638.4 per 1, population in 23 to 2,633.9 per 1, population in The key measure for the equivalent target in the 27 SASP (T2.5) was years of life lost (YLL). In the 211 SASP this measure was changed to health adjusted life expectancy (HALE). 15. SA Health, South Australian Burden of Disease Study 16. SA Health, Pregnancy Outcomes Unit 17. A new data source has been used for this indicator in this Progress Report compared to the 21 Progress Report. These data are from the COAG Reform Council National Indigenous Reform Agreement Performance Report 18. ABS Deaths, Australia (unpublished) 19. The 25 6 figure is different to that published in the 21 Progress Report as these data were revised. 2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Health Atlas 29 ( rates per 1, (Census resident) population, not age standardised 21. Note that the 27 8 figure is slightly different to that included in the 21 Progress Report because the Office of Crime Statistics and Research recalculated the figures for the period 27 8 to using a different population data source. 22. Office of Crime Statistics and Research 23. ABS Cat No 4517., Prisoners in Australia 26 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

29 Vision: Our Communities are vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. Our Community T6 continued Healthy Homes Indicator Movement Comment 16. Number of overcrowded Aboriginal households (22 baseline) (T9 key measure) In 22, there were 1,344 Aboriginal households in South Australia that were defined as overcrowded, compared to 1,212 in Governance and Leadership Indicator Movement Comment 17. Number of Aboriginal people on government boards and committees (28 baseline) 18. Number of Aboriginal people undertaking Aboriginal heritage site recording training (per annum) (27 baseline) In 28, there were 16 Aboriginal people serving on government boards and committees. This number has steadily increased to 136 by June In 27, 41 Aboriginal people received heritage site recording training. By 211, this number had increased to Reconciliation, Culture and Traditional Lands Indicator Movement Comment 19. Number of National Park Co-Management Agreements signed (cumulative) (28 baseline) 2. Proportion of schools with Aboriginal cultural studies in curriculum (29 baseline) (T27 key measure) 21. Native title claims resolved (cumulative) (24 baseline) (T44 key measure) The number of cooperative agreements negotiated rose from four at the end of 28 to five in 29. By May 212, 1 agreements had been negotiated. 27 In 29, Aboriginal Cultural Studies curriculum was taught in 41% (235) of the public schools operated by the Department for Education and Child Development. 28 This is comparable with the 211 level of 4%. By March 212, 39.6% of native title claims that were either open in 24 or lodged since that date had been resolved. 29 Target T44 is to resolve 8% of claims by ABS Cat No 4714., National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey; ABS Cat No 4715., National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey; NAHA Performance Indicators Report 25. Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Boards and Committees 26. Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division 27. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources 28. Department for Education and Child Development 29. SA Native Title Claim Resolution Negotiations data (provided by Attorney-General s Department) South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

30 Our Community Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. T7 Affordable housing: South Australia leads the nation over the period to 22 in the proportion of homes sold or built that are affordable by low and moderate income households. Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Proportion of properties built or sold that are affordable for low and moderate income households (29 1 baseline) Per cent NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Baseline 5 Data source: NAHA Performance Indicators Report. In 29 1 (the baseline year), South Australia was the fifth ranked state or territory for the proportion of homes built or sold that were affordable by low and moderate income households (53.9% of homes). In 21 11, South Australia was again the fifth ranked state or territory (37.6% of homes sold or built that were affordable), leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as steady or no movement. In assessing achievability, the Audit Committee notes that the ranking of jurisdictions and the proportion of homes assessed as affordable in each jurisdiction has fluctuated substantially over time. The Committee has therefore rated the achievability of this target as unlikely, on the basis that, even if South Australia obtained the number one ranking, it would be unlikely to retain this position throughout the period to 22. The Audit Committee notes that if it applied a literal interpretation to the term over the period to 22 this target would be assessed as not reached from the baseline year. The Committee therefore recommends that this target be reconsidered and reworded. A revised target could focus on improving South Australia s performance over time rather than comparing performance with other jurisdictions. However, the Committee notes that there was a general decline in affordability in in all jurisdictions compared with According to the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA), homes are assessed to be affordable when the household spends no more than 3 per cent of their gross income on mortgage payments (including both capital and interest repayments). This measure considers the number of homes sold or built that are affordable by low and moderate income households as a proportion of the total number of homes that are sold or built. Low and moderate income households are those with equivalised disposable incomes in the bottom three income quintiles. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to rewording the target as part of the next SASP update process, including, for example, by focusing on improving South Australia s performance over time rather than comparing performance with other jurisdictions. 28 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

31 Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. Our Community Housing stress: South Australia leads the nation over the period to 22 in the proportion of low income households not experiencing housing stress. T8 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Proportion of low income rental households not experiencing rental stress (29 1 baseline) Per cent NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Baseline 5 Data source: NAHA Performance Indicators Report. In 29 1 (the baseline year), 71.4% of low income rental households in South Australia were not experiencing rental stress. This was the second highest proportion of any Australian jurisdiction, slightly behind Tasmania (71.9%). The Audit Committee has not rated progress or achievability for this target as there is no data available beyond the baseline year. According to the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA), the proportion of low income households in rental stress is defined as the proportion of rental households in the bottom two income quintiles that spend more than 3 per cent of their income on rent. This measure is defined as the number of low income households in rental stress as a proportion of the total number of low income rental households. Low income households are those in the bottom two income quintiles based on equivalised disposable household income excluding Commonwealth Rent Assistance or other rent assistance. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

32 Our Community Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. T9 Aboriginal housing: Reduce overcrowding in Aboriginal households by 1% by 214. Positive movement On track Key measure Number of overcrowded Aboriginal households in South Australia using the Canadian National Occupancy Standard (22 baseline) 1,5 1,25 Number of households 1, South Australia 1,344 1,327 1,212 Target 1,29 Baseline 1, Data source: 22 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey; 24 5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey; NAHA Performance Indicators Report. In 22 (the baseline year), 1,344 Aboriginal households were overcrowded in South Australia. By 28, this had decreased to 1,212. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. The Committee has rated achievability as on track, given the targeted 1% reduction was almost reached in 28, well ahead of the 214 target year. Overcrowded conditions are defined as needing one or more additional bedrooms to meet the Canadian National Occupancy Standard. The proportion of Indigenous households living in overcrowded conditions is one of the indicators (#7) of the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA). Updated data, obtained from the ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey and reported in the COAG Reform Council NAHA Performance Indicators Report, will be released in 213. While this target is unchanged from the 27 SASP (T6.9), the key measure for this target has changed from the Proxy Occupancy Standard to the Canadian National Occupancy Standard. This is the measure used in the NAHA Performance Indicators Report and is the preferred standard used by the ABS to measure overcrowding. 3 Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That a more ambitious Aboriginal housing target is considered as part of the next SASP update process, given that the 1% reduction was almost exceeded in 28, well ahead of the 214 target year. 3. Productivity Commission (211) National Affordable Housing Agreement: Report to CRC 3 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

33 Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. Our Community Homelessness: Halve the number of rough sleepers in South Australia by 213 and maintain thereafter. T1 Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure Rough sleepers in South Australia (21 baseline) 1, 9 8 Number or people South Australia Target 449 Baseline 9 Data source: ABS Census of Population and Housing. The number of rough sleepers in South Australia decreased from 897 in 21 to 852 in 26. Data from the latest (211) Census is expected to become available in late 212. The Audit Committee has given this target a progress and achievability rating of unclear due to the lack of recent data. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

34 Our Community Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. T11 Housing for people with disabilities: Increase the number of people with a disability in stable, supported community accommodation to 7, by 22. Positive movement On track Key measure Number of people with a disability in stable supported community accommodation (23 4 baseline) 7, 6, 5, Number of people 4, 3, 2, 1, 23-4 South Australia 3,28 3,645 3,453 3,9 3,93 4,271 4,441 4,86 Target 7, Baseline Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Minimum Dataset. In 21 11, there were 4,86 people with a disability in stable supported community accommodation in South Australia. This is 419 higher than the number recorded the previous financial year (4,441) and 1,58 higher than the 23 4 baseline figure (3,28). The Audit Committee has therefore given this target a progress rating of positive movement. From 23 4 to 21 11, the average annual growth rate was 5.78%. To achieve the target of 7, by 219 2, an average annual growth rate of 4.14% is required. The Audit Committee considers achievement of this target to be on track. To put the above numbers in perspective, overall, there were 335,9 people with a disability in South Australia in 29 compared with 362,1 in These numbers include a significant proportion of people aged over 65 years whose disability is more likely to be age-related, while disability support services funded through the National Disability Agreement (NDA) are directed, in the main, to people aged under 65 years of age and with a severe or profound level of disability. In 29, there were 5,7 people with a severe or profound disability aged less than 65 years in South Australia. Using this figure as a denominator for the current year means that approximately one in ten people with a severe or profound disability aged under 65 years in South Australia are receiving disability support services through the NDA that assist them to live in stable supported community accommodation. 31 Australian Bureau of Statistics (29) Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, Cat. No South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

35 Vision: Everyone has a place to call home. Our Community T11 continued Stable supported community accommodation includes people being provided with support in their homes as well as other community-based accommodation arrangements through the NDA. It excludes people accommodated in institutions or hostels. The definition of disability for the purposes of this target is as per the Disability Services Act 1993, with the exception that in South Australia people with a psychiatric disability are assisted through the mental health system, not the specialist disability support system. According to this Act: disability in relation to a person means a disability a. that is attributable to intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment, or a combination of any of those impairments; and b. that is, or is likely to be, permanent; and c. that results in the person having i. a reduced capacity for social interaction, communication, learning, mobility, decision making or self care; and ii. a need for continuing support services, and includes such a disability notwithstanding that it is of an episodic nature. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

36 Our Community Vision: Strong families help build communities. T12 Early childhood: Increase the proportion of children developing well. Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure Proportion of South Australian children who are developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains of the Australian Early Development Index (29 baseline) Per cent South Australia 22.7 Baseline 2 Data source: AEDI National Support Centre, Centre for Community Child Health. The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) is a population measure of young children s development, assessed during the first year of school in five key development areas (domains): physical health and wellbeing; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive skills; and communication skills and general knowledge. Children who score below the 1th percentile (in the lowest 1% of the AEDI population) are classified as developmentally vulnerable. Children who score between the 1th and 25th percentile are classified as developmentally at risk, while those who score above the 25th percentile (in the top 75%) are classified as on track. The AEDI was first implemented in 29. In that year, 22.7% of South Australian children were assessed as developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains of the AEDI. In comparison, 23.4% of children nationally were assessed as developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains of the AEDI. As data is only currently available for 29 (the baseline year) the Audit Committee has not been able to rate progress or achievability. Data will be collected nationally every three years. Data collection took place from May to July 212, with the results expected to be released in 213. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of children developing well and a timeframe to achieve this aim. 34 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

37 Vision: Strong families help build communities. Our Community Work-life balance: Improve the quality of life of all South Australians through maintenance of a healthy work-life balance. T13 Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Work-life index (AWALI) score for South Australian employees (unadjusted scores) (27 baseline) AWALI score (unadjusted) South Australia Baseline 25. Data source: Australian Work and Life Index (AWALI). Note: A lower score on the AWALI scale indicates better work-life balance. The Australian Work and Life Index (AWALI) measure was developed by the University of South Australia s Centre for Work and Life, with support from industry partners including the South Australian Government. AWALI is a national survey of work life outcomes amongst working Australians. The South Australian AWALI is derived from a telephone survey of around 1, South Australian workers. AWALI is comprised of a composite index bringing together five measures of work-life interference the extent to which paid work interferes with activities outside of work; restrictions on time with family or friends; work-to-community interference; overall satisfaction with work life balance; and frequency of feeling rushed or pressed for time. The overall work-life index is scaled from to 1. A lower score on this scale indicates better work-life balance. AWALI commenced in 27 and was repeated annually until 21. From 212 it is being conducted on a bi-annual basis. The 212 data was not available in time to be included in this Progress Report. In 21, the South Australian AWALI score was Based on the data from 27 to 21, it is not possible to discern any trend in the South Australian results. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as steady or no movement. The Audit Committee has rated achievability as within reach, although this is difficult to judge, as the target does not specify a level of improvement in the quality of life of South Australians or timeframe to achieve this aim. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

38 Our Community Vision: Strong families help build communities. T13 continued The Audit Committee notes that, when the AWALI scores are adjusted (to account for the number of hours worked per week), men tend to have a better work-life balance than women. For example, in 21, the AWALI score for men was 39.3 compared to 44.9 for women. This gender difference is particularly apparent for persons aged 65 years and over, although the AWALI scores are lower for this age group (2.4 for men and 37.7 for women) than for those aged 25 to 34 years (45. for men and 5. for women). Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of improvement in the work-life balance of South Australians and a timeframe to achieve this aim. 36 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

39 Vision: Strong families help build communities. Our Community Early childhood Year 1 literacy: By 214 achieve a 1% improvement in the number of children reading at an age appropriate level by the end of Year 1 and maintain thereafter. T14 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Proportion of Year 1 students reading at an age-appropriate level or better (27 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 74.7 Baseline 5. Data source: Department for Education and Child Development Running Records. Reading ability is measured in state government primary schools using the Department for Education and Child Development s reading assessment tool, which is based on international benchmarks. Data is not available for 28. In 211, 7.7% of South Australian Year 1 students were determined to be reading at an age-appropriate level. This is higher than the proportion recorded in 27 (the baseline year) and therefore the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement. The average annual growth rate from 27 to 211 was 1.2%. A rate of 1.85% is required to reach the 214 target. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

40 Our Community Vision: Strong families help build communities. T15 Aboriginal education early years: Increase yearly the proportion of Aboriginal children reading at age appropriate levels at the end of Year 1. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Proportion of Aboriginal Year 1 students reading at an age-appropriate level or better (27 baseline) Per cent South Australia Baseline 5. Data source: Department for Education and Child Development. Reading ability is measured in state government primary schools using the Department for Education and Child Development s reading assessment tool, which is based on international benchmarks. Data is not available for 28. In 211, 31.9% of Aboriginal students in Year 1 were reading at an age appropriate level or better. This is higher than the percentage recorded in 27 (the baseline year) of 29.8%. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. While the target does not specify a particular level of increase or a target year, the Audit Committee has rated achievability as within reach on the basis that the proportion of Aboriginal Year 1 students reading at age appropriate levels has, with the exception of a minor decrease in 29, generally increased each year. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to include a specific level of achievement in the proportion of Aboriginal children reading at age appropriate levels at the end of Year 1. In revising this target it may be appropriate to focus on closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal children. 38 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

41 Vision: Strong families help build communities. Our Community Economic disadvantage: By 22, increase by 2 percentage points the share of total household income earned by low income South Australians. T16 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Income share of the low income group in South Australia (27 8 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 12. Baseline 2 Data source: ABS Cat Household Income and Income Distribution 29 1, Detailed Tables, Table 1.1D. In 29 1, the income share of the South Australian low income group was 1.5%. This was higher than the 27 8 level and therefore a progress rating of positive movement has been assigned to this target. The 29 1 figure was 5% higher than the percentage recorded in Biennial average growth of 2.71% is required to reach the target by While it is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points, on the basis of the limited data available the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. This data is compiled from the ABS Survey of Income and Housing. Low income is defined as persons in the second and third income deciles. Deciles are groupings that result from ranking all households or persons in the population in ascending order according to their household income and then dividing the population into 1 equal groups, each comprising 1% of the estimated population. The second and third deciles are used because studies have shown that households in the bottom income decile and with negative gross incomes tend to have expenditure levels that are comparable to those of households with higher income levels, suggesting that these households have access to economic resources such as wealth, or that the instance of low or negative income is temporary, perhaps reflecting business or investment start up. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

42 Our Community Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. T17 State-wide crime rates: Reduce victim reported crime by 38% by 214 maintaining or improving thereafter. Positive movement On track Key measure Offences reported by victims, rate per 1, population (22 3 baseline) Rate per 1, population South Australia Target 83.6 Baseline 6. Data source: Office of Crime Statistics and Research, Attorney-General s Department. The number of victim reported offences recorded per 1, population has steadily declined since the 22 3 baseline year. In 22 3, the victim reported crime rate was offences per 1, population. In 21 11, the rate had declined to 83.4 victim reported offences per 1, population. The victim reported crime rate is slightly below the target of 83.6 offences per 1, population by 214. Although the target crime rate was reached in 21 11, the Audit Committee has given this target an achievability rating of on track rather than achieved as attainment of this target requires maintaining this rate through to 214 and beyond. The measure used for this target is the rate of victim reported crime, which is a better indicator of community safety than the total number of criminal offences recorded (where an increase could simply be due to an increase in proactive measures by police). 4 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

43 Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. Our Community Violence against women: A significant and sustained reduction in violence against women through to 222. T18 New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure The number of females who experienced violence during the last 12 months (25 baseline) 4, Number of females who experienced violence 35, 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, South Australia 36, Baseline 1 Data source: ABS Personal Safety Survey. Target 18 is a new target in the 211 SASP. The wording of this target aligns with the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. The key measure for Target 18 is the number of females who experienced violence, which is defined as the occurrence, attempt or threat of either physical or sexual assault. The data source is the ABS Personal Safety Survey. The latest published data is from the 25 baseline year. The next Personal Safety Survey will be published in 213, based on data collected in 212. The Audit Committee has therefore not been able to assess progress or achievability for this target. The South Australian sample size for the 25 ABS Personal Safety Survey was 1,896 (1,575 females and 321 males). It is estimated that the number of females who experienced violence during the last 12 months in South Australia in 25 was 36,. The standard error in this data is 4,19 or 11.6%. The Audit Committee notes that, although the wording of this target is in keeping with the National Plan, it does not articulate what would constitute a significant and sustained reduction in violence against women through to 222. The Committee therefore recommends that this target be reworded to make it more specific during the next SASP update process. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of reduction in violence against women. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

44 Our Community Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. T19 Repeat offending: South Australia has the lowest Australian rate of repeat offenders over the period to 22. Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Repeat offenders proceeded against by police within a 12 month period (27 8 baseline) Per cent SA NSW Vic Qld Tas ACT NT Baseline Data source: ABS Recorded Crime Offenders, Cat. No For the purposes of this target, repeat offenders are defined as people (aged 1 years and over) who were proceeded against by police more than once during each financial year. Data is not currently available for Western Australia and therefore national data cannot be compiled. In South Australia, 21.7% of offenders were proceeded against more than once in This proportion decreased to 18.2% in However, the focus of this target is on South Australia s position relative to other Australian jurisdictions, not on the state s progress over time. In 27 8 (the baseline year), South Australia had the lowest proportion of repeat offenders of any Australian jurisdiction. 32 In (the latest available data), South Australia had the second lowest proportion of repeat offenders behind Victoria. The Audit Committee has assigned a progress rating of steady or no movement as it has interpreted the intent of the target to be that South Australia is, or is close to, the best ranked jurisdiction through to 22. However, the Committee recommends that further consideration be given to the wording of this target as part of the next SASP update process. Given South Australia had the lowest level of repeat offenders of any Australian jurisdiction in two of the last four financial years and the second lowest rate in the other two years, achievement of the target to consistently maintain a low rate of repeat offenders (relative to other states and territories) through to 22 is considered to be within reach. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to re-wording this target as part of the next SASP update process, to clarify the intent of the target. 32. However, the South Australian data should be treated with some caution as information relating to offenders issued with Cannabis Expiation Notices and some other types of Expiation Notices are stored in a separate database and cannot be linked to other databases containing information about offenders proceeded against by police. 42 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

45 Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. Our Community Bushfire preparedness: Increase the number of households in high bushfire prone areas that are prepared for a bushfire by 3% by 22. T2 Positive movement Within reach Key measure South Australian households self assessed level of preparedness (21 11 baseline) 6 Woolundunga Bushfire 5-7 Jan 212 Percentage of Households Victorian Bushfires 7 Feb 29 Port Lincoln Bushfire 23 Dec 29 1 Jun-9 Jun-1 Jun-11 Jun-12 Jun-13 Jun-14 Jun-15 Jun-16 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-2 South Australia Target 59 Baseline 4 Data source: Colmar Bunton Research survey data. Note: Woolundunga is in the Mid North Region, north of Wilmington. This is a new target in the 211 SASP. The key measure for this target listed in SASP was the number of households in high or medium bushfire protection areas in South Australia that have bushfire action plans. The SA Country Fire Service (CFS), as the lead agency for this target, advised the Audit Committee that, following the adoption of a new national framework in 29 ( Scaled Advice and Warnings to the Community trademarked nationally as Prepare. Act. Survive ), the key measure listed for Target 2 is no longer available. Additionally, a written practised Bushfire Survival Plan may not be the most appropriate measure of bushfire preparedness, as research evidence suggests that people may have good bushfire safety awareness about the actions they need to take, without necessarily having a documented bushfire plan. In light of this information, the Audit Committee agreed to change the key measure for this target to the number of households in high or medium bushfire protection areas in South Australia that have Self-Assessed Level of Preparedness. Colmar Bunton has collected these data in April each year since 29, to align with the CFS Fire Danger Season (1 November to 3 April) and provide a final report to the CFS in June. Telephone surveys are conducted with 4 individual households in nominated risk areas. Data is collected on the householder s self-assessed risk and level of preparedness, which includes: minimising vegetation and litter around the home including grasses and shrubs; finding out the daily fire danger rating for the area; making or reviewing a decision to leave early or stay and defend; having created, checked and maintained survival or relocation kits; having a written and reviewed Bushfire Survival Plan; and practising a Bushfire Survival Plan. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

46 Our Community Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. T2 continued Questions asked of the householder include: to what extent do you agree or disagree that bushfires are a real threat in your area? to what extent do you agree or disagree that bushfires are a threat to you and your family? how prepared are you for a bushfire in your area? The Audit Committee has focused on responses to the third question, as it considers this to be the best match to the target wording, which focuses on bushfire preparedness. However, it notes that responses to the other two questions provide useful information on self-assessed risk. In the baseline year, 45% of respondents reported a self-assessed level of preparedness for a bushfire. This increased to 48% in , leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as positive movement. It is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points and consequently the Audit Committee has adopted a cautious approach in allocating a rating of within reach. However, the Committee notes that increasing the number of households in high bushfire prone areas that are prepared for a bushfire by 3% by 22 is an ambitious goal. Community preparedness for bushfire is a complex matter, dependant on seasonal and other influences. In particular, the level of preparedness appears to increase immediately following a major bushfire event and noticeably declines as time passes without a further event. The Audit Committee notes that in 29 it was estimated that there were 168,227 households in bushfire risk areas in South Australia. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Authorities Council and the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre are currently researching an alternative indicator to the Bushfire Preparedness measure at a national level. The Audit Committee recommends that this work be monitored, as it might result in the development of a better measure to monitor progress towards this target. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the research currently being undertaken by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Authorities Council and the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre on an alternative indicator to the Bushfire Preparedness measure be monitored. The Audit Committee also recommends that any indicators developed via this process be assessed as to their potential to provide an improved measure for the target. 44 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

47 Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. Our Community Greater safety at work: Achieve a 4% reduction in injury by 212 and a further 5% reduction by 222. T21 Positive movement On track Key measure Cumulative percentage reduction in income claim rate (all employers) 12 months to end of quarter (baseline 21 2) % Jun-2 Sep-2 Dec-2 Mar-3 Jun-3 Sep-3 Dec-3 Mar-4 Jun-4 Sep-4 Dec-4 Mar-5 Jun-5 Sep-5 Dec-5 Mar-6 Jun-6 Sep-6 Dec-6 Mar-7 Jun-7 Sep-7 Dec-7 Mar-8 Jun-8 Sep-8 Dec-8 Mar-9 Jun-9 Sep-9 Dec-9 Mar-1 Jun-1 Sep-1 Dec-1 Mar-11 Jun-11 Sep-11 Dec-11 Mar-12 Jun-12-5% Cumulative per cent reduction -1% -15% -2% -25% -3% -35% -4% -37.7% (June 21) Income claim rate, future claims estimated Target Baseline Data source: WorkCoverSA. As at June 21, the estimated number of future income claims had reduced by 37.7% from the 21 2 baseline year. The Audit Committee has therefore given this target a progress rating of positive movement. The 37.7% reduction in claims recorded to June 21 means that South Australia is well placed to achieve the targeted 4% reduction by 212 and the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track. In assessing achievability, the Committee has focused on the 212 target. In its 214 Progress Report the Committee will give a final rating of the 212 target and will shift its focus to the 222 target. The key measure for this target is based on accepted claims to WorkCoverSA. It excludes claims that were refused by WorkCoverSA, withdrawn by the applicant and incident reports that have not been the subject of a formal claim to WorkCoverSA. The income claim rate includes claims received to date as well as an estimate of the expected number of claims still to be received (estimated on the basis of historical modelling). This approach is adopted because claims are not always lodged at the time of an incident and are sometimes received many years after the event. Delays in receipt of claims by WorkCoverSA mean that SafeWork SA publishes a lagged measure and consequently June 21 is the latest published data available. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

48 Our Community Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. T22 Road safety: Reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by at least 3% by 22. Positive movement Within reach Key measures Number of road fatalities in South Australia (28 1 baseline) Number of road fatalities baseline Average = South Australia Target 78 Baseline Data source: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. Number of serious injuries in South Australia (28 1 baseline) 1,8 1,6 Number of serious injuries 1,4 1,2 1, baseline Average = 1, South Australia 1,63 1,538 1,47 1,331 1,297 1,358 1,369 1,219 1,19 1,5 931 Target 788 Baseline Data source: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. 46 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

49 Vision: We are safe in our homes, community and at work. Our Community T22 continued Target 22 aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by at least 3% by 22. It has a three year baseline period (28 to 21). During the three year period 28 to 21 there were 336 road fatalities in South Australia, equating to an average of 112 per year. A 3% reduction in road fatalities by 22 equates to a target of 78. In 211 (the latest full calendar year data available), this had decreased to 13 road fatalities. Between 28 and 21 there was an average of 1,126 serious injuries as a result of road crashes in South Australia. By 211, this number had reduced to 931. A 3% reduction in serious injuries by 22 equates to a target of 788. The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as positive movement given the reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries (in total, decreasing from an average of 1,238 in to 1,34 in 211). The Committee has adopted a cautious approach to the assessment of achievability, rating it as within reach, on the basis that there is only one data point available after the baseline. Target 22 is consistent with Towards Zero Together South Australia s Road Safety Strategy 22, which similarly aims for a reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries of at least 3% by 22. The Road Safety Strategy specifies targets of less than 8 fatalities and 8 serious injuries per year by 22. These figures are slightly different to the target numbers used in this SASP Progress Report (78 and 788 respectively), as the Audit Committee has opted to use precise numbers when calculating the targeted 3% reduction. For the purposes of this target, persons killed or injured in road crashes could be vehicle occupants or other road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

50 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T23 Social participation: Increase the proportion of South Australians participating in social, community and economic activities by 22. New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure 1 The proportion of South Australians participating in community based activities (212 baseline) (212 baseline) Per cent South Australia 71.5 Baseline 5 Data source: SASP Household Survey. This is a new SASP target. Baseline data is available from the 212 SASP Household Survey, which includes questions about participation in a range of social and community activities in the last 12 months. 33 The Audit Committee recognises that social participation is a difficult concept to measure and can be represented by multiple types of activity. For the purposes of measuring this target, participation in community based activities and the frequency of that involvement, is used. These community based activities are: active involvement in a social or community group or taking part in an activity they organised; 34 active involvement in a civic or political group, such as a political party, environmental or civic rights group; 35 involvement in a sport or physical recreational activity as a coach, official, umpire or administrator; involvement in a sporting or physical recreational group at least twice per month; attendance at a sporting event as a spectator at least twice per month; and/or formal or informal volunteering at least twice per month. 33. Further information about the SASP Household Survey is available in the introduction to this report. 34. This includes groups such as an arts or heritage group, religious or spiritual group, craft or hobby group, ethnic or multicultural club, service clubs or welfare organisations or other special interest groups. Actively involved means the respondent is more than just a member on paper, they attend functions and events run by the group or make a contribution to the operation of the group. 35. This includes a trade union, technical association, animal welfare group, body corporate or tenants association, consumer organisation or other civic or political organisation. Participation in activities they organise might involve: attending a protest march or rally, participating in a political campaign or attending a meeting. 48 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

51 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community T23 continued In 212 (the baseline year for this target), 71.5% of survey respondents were considered to be socially participating, based on the above definition. The key measure listed for this target in the 211 SASP is the proportion of people who are not participating in activities in their community. However, the Audit Committee considers it is more appropriate to focus on the proportion of the population who are socially participating, which is more in keeping with the target focus. The Audit Committee recognises that Target 23 does not currently specify a level of increase in the proportion of South Australians socially participating because this target is new to the 211 SASP and baseline data was not available until 212. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of South Australians socially participating. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

52 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T24 Volunteering: Maintain a high level of formal and informal volunteering in South Australia at 7% participation rate or higher. Negative movement Within reach Key measure Volunteering rate in South Australia formal and/or informal volunteering (26 baseline) Per cent Harrison Research Survey SASP Household Survey Baseline 5. Data source: Harrison Research Survey of Volunteering and SASP Household Survey. Target 24 is unusual, as it has two data sources listed in the SASP, namely the Harrison Research Survey of Volunteering and the SASP Household Survey. The Harrison Research Survey of Volunteering provides data for the 26 baseline year. However, the Audit Committee considers the SASP Household Survey to be the more reliable indicator, due to its large sample size. 36 In those years when both surveys were conducted, the Harrison Research Survey results are slightly higher than the SASP Household Survey results. Nevertheless, both data sources have shown a similar trend, with volunteering levels generally declining to 21 and then increasingly slightly in 212. According to the Harrison Research Survey, 75% of survey respondents indicated that they had volunteered in 26 (the baseline year) compared to 71% in 212. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as negative movement. The target is to maintain the high level of formal and informal volunteering in South Australia at 7% or better. A timeframe for this goal is not specified. In three of the four years the Harrison Research Survey was conducted the volunteering level was above 7%, while in 21 it was just below this figure (69%). In comparison, the SASP Household Survey results for 28 and 29 are above 7%, while the 21 and 212 results are slightly below this target. On the basis of this data, the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. 36. The Harrison Research Survey is a telephone based survey of over 1,5 South Australians aged 15 years and over. The SASP Household Survey is a survey of more than 6, South Australian households. Further information about the SASP Household Survey is available in the introduction to this report. 5 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

53 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community T24 continued The 27 SASP also had a volunteering target, which focused on formal volunteering (T5.6). This target was modified in the 211 SASP to include both formal and informal volunteering. Formal volunteering is defined as unpaid, voluntary help willingly given in the form of time, services or skills for an organisation, club or association. It excludes voluntary work done overseas and donations of money or goods. Informal volunteering is defined as unpaid help given directly to people other than relatives; that is, using one s own initiative rather than volunteering through a group or organisation. This includes activities such as shopping or taking in the mail for a neighbour, mowing someone else s lawn, baby sitting for free, visiting or helping someone who is sick or elderly, among other services. According to the 212 Household Survey, 41.9% of respondents had done some formal volunteering in the previous 12 months, while 53.2% had done some informal volunteering. Disaggregated data, including breakdowns by gender and age, is available from the SASP website ( The Audit Committee recognises that this measure does not include caring for, or other assistance given to, family members. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

54 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T25 Support for people with a disability: Triple the number of people with a disability able to access self-managed funding by 216. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Number of people working towards self-managed funding (21 11 baseline) Number of people South Australia Target 15 Baseline 4 Data source: Department for Communities and Social Inclusion. In (the baseline year), 5 people with a disability were working towards self-managed funding. This number had increased to 71 in , leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as positive movement. The target is to triple the number of people with a disability able to access self-managed funding by 216. This would equate to 15 people. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. The Committee has been cautious in its assessment, given there is only one data point available since the baseline year. The key measure used for this target is the number of people working towards self-managed funding. Self-managed funding is an approach used to enable people with disabilities to have control and choice about the supports they receive. A Self-management Facilitator assists participants and their support networks to develop personal plans detailing how the funding will be used. The focus is on choosing services that best meet their needs and aspirations, so that individual participants can achieve the maximum level of choice and control possible. The 71 people working towards self-managed funding in would be at different stages of this process. Some participants may still be at the planning stage or developing their plans and working out what services they wish to purchase and what arrangements best meet their needs. Other people may have completed their plans, chosen how they want to manage their arrangements (either by doing it themselves or having help from an agency) and have signed a self-managed funding agreement to receive the funds and put their services in place. 52 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

55 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community Early childhood birth weight: Reduce the proportion of low birth weight babies and halve the proportion of Aboriginal low weight babies by 22. T26 Total population Steady or no movement Within reach Aboriginal population Positive movement Within reach Key measures Low birth weight infants as a proportion of total live births for South Australia (23 baseline) Per cent South Australia Aboriginal Aboriginal target 8.65 Baseline 17.3 Data source: SA Health, Pregnancy Outcomes Unit. In 21, the proportion of low birth weight babies in the general population was 6.8%, which is comparable with the figure recorded in 23 (the baseline year) of 6.5%, leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as steady or no movement. Achievement of this target is considered to be within reach as the target does not quantify the level of reduction required in the proportion of low birth weight babies. The proportion of low birth weight babies in the Aboriginal population decreased from 17.3% in 23 (the baseline year) to 16.% in 21. Consequently, the Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as positive movement. The Aboriginal rate tends to fluctuate from year to year due to the relatively small numbers. The average annual growth rate from 23 to 21 was -1.11%, while a further decline of -5.96% is required to reach the target by 22. While this appears to be ambitious, the Audit Committee has cautiously assessed the achievability of the target to halve the proportion of Aboriginal low birth weight babies by 22 as within reach, due to the substantial fluctuations in the data (including a low of 12.8% in 21) and that there are ten years remaining to achieve the target. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

56 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T26 continued Low birth weight babies are live births where the baby weighs less than 2,5 grams at birth, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee The Audit Committee considers that the focus of this target should be on the continued improvement of the birth weight in the Aboriginal population. If the focus on the birth weight for babies in the general population is retained in the next SASP update process, it is recommended that a specific level of reduction be included in the target. 54 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

57 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community Understanding of Aboriginal culture: Aboriginal cultural studies is included in school curriculum by 216 with involvement of Aboriginal people in design and delivery. T27 Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Proportion of South Australian Government Schools teaching Aboriginal Cultural Studies as part of the curriculum (29 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 1 Baseline 5 Data source: Department for Education and Child Development. In 29 (the baseline year), Aboriginal Cultural Studies were part of the curriculum in 41% of the 58 public schools operated by the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD). This is comparable with the 211 level of 4% (of a total of 557 public schools). On this basis, the Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement. However, it notes that the 21 proportion (29% of the 579 DECD schools) was considerably below the levels recorded in 29 and 211. In interpreting this data, it should be noted that the total number of schools changes each year as a result of factors such as school amalgamations (for example, co-locating primary and junior primary schools), the construction of new schools and the closure of schools and preschools. Additionally, the Audit Committee has been advised that the DECD survey return rate was particularly low in 21 and is therefore only an indicative measure of progress. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. While available data indicate that limited progress has been made to date when compared to the 29 baseline, progress on this target will not necessarily be linear. The Audit Committee also notes that the achievement of this target is largely within Government control. Aboriginal Cultural Studies curriculum material has been developed under the oversight of a steering committee of the DECD, which includes representative of the Association of Independent Schools and the Catholic Education Office. The Audit Committee understands that DECD is ensuring the inclusion of Aboriginal culture and history in the school curriculum through the Aboriginal Cultural Studies Project. This project will deliver a curriculum resource, professional learning options and models for the involvement of Aboriginal people in the teaching of Aboriginal Cultural Studies. When the curriculum resource is published, public schools across the state will be expected to use the materials to enhance the programs already in place or, as appropriate, to introduce Aboriginal Cultural Studies at one or more year levels. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

58 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T27 continued The Aboriginal Cultural Studies curriculum resource has been aligned to the Australian Curriculum learning areas in history, science, mathematics, and English. It also supports the Australian Curriculum cross-curriculum priority, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. The resource is nearing completion and DECD is exploring avenues for employing Aboriginal Cultural Studies Instructors to work with teachers in delivering the Aboriginal Cultural Studies curriculum. The Audit Committee notes that the key measure for this target focuses on the inclusion of Aboriginal cultural studies in the curriculum of public schools. The Committee recommends that consideration be given to broadening this measure to include Catholic and Independent schools. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the key measure for the target is broadened to include all South Australian schools rather than be limited to public schools. 56 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

59 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community Aboriginal leadership: Increase the number of Aboriginal South Australians participating in community leadership and in community leadership development programs. T28 Negative movement Unlikely Key measure Number of Aboriginal people who have undertaken leadership development in South Australia, per annum (27 8 baseline) 25 2 Number of people South Australia Baseline 175. Data source: Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology, Aboriginal Leadership Register. In 21 11, 83 Aboriginal people were recorded as undertaking leadership development activities. This is less than half the number recorded the previous financial year (17) and substantially lower than the 27 8 baseline year figure of 15. On this basis, the Audit Committee has rated progress as negative movement. The target does not specify a particular level of increase or a timeframe for achieving this aim. Nevertheless, the Audit Committee has rated achievability as unlikely on the basis of the decline in numbers recorded in The Audit Committee understands that the decline in numbers in is due to a reduction in the number of people participating in training programs through the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST) and in the number of people undertaking Aboriginal heritage site training. DFEEST obtained funding for leadership training through the Australian Government funded Productivity Places Program in This funding was not obtained in In 21 11, there was also reduced demand for the Aboriginal heritage site training conducted by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of increase in the number of Aboriginal people participating in leadership development activities and a timeframe to achieve this aim. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

60 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T29 Elections: Increase the percentage of women nominating to stand in local, state and federal government elections in South Australia to 5% by 214. Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measures Proportion of female candidates in local government elections in South Australia (21 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 5. Baseline 4 Data source: Local Government Association of South Australia. Proportion of female candidates in state government elections in South Australia (21 baseline) 5 45 Proportion of female candidates in state government elections in South Australia (21 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 5. Baseline 4 Data source: Electoral Commission South Australia. 58 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

61 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community T29 continued Proportion of female candidates in federal government elections in South Australia (21 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 5. Baseline Data source: Australian Electoral Commission. In 21 (the baseline year), approximately three in ten candidates in local, state and federal government elections were women (28.4%, 3.3% and 29.1% respectively). There is no data available for this target beyond the baseline year. The Audit Committee has therefore been unable to rate progress or achievability. However, the Committee notes that the target of 5% by 214 is ambitious, given the proportions recorded in the baseline year. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

62 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T29 continued Supplementary measure The 211 SASP specifies a supplementary measure for Target 29, which is the number of women in Parliament. This was the key measure for the 27 SASP target T5.3 Members of Parliament. There are 69 seats in the South Australian Parliament (47 in the House of Assembly and 22 in the Legislative Council). In 212, women comprised 3.4% of members (21). Percentage of women in the South Australian Parliament Per cent South Australia Data source: Parliament of South Australia. 6 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

63 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community Boards and committees: Increase the number of women on all State Government boards and committees to 5% on average by 214, and maintain thereafter by ensuring that 5% of women are appointed, on average, each quarter. T3 Positive movement Within reach Key measure 55 Percentage of women on State Government boards and committees (January 24 baseline) Percentage of women on State Government boards and committees (January 24 baseline) June August May (baseline) Dec-3 Jun-4 Dec-4 Jun-5 Dec-5 Jun-6 Dec-6 Per cent Jun-7 Dec-7 Jun-8 Dec-8 Jun-9 Dec-9 Jun-1 Dec-1 Jun-11 Dec-11 Jun-12 Dec-12 Jun-13 Dec-13 Jun-14 Dec-14 South Australia Target Baseline Data source: Boards and Committees Information System, Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The percentage of women on government boards and committees increased from 33.6% in January 24 (the baseline) to 45.8% in May 212. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive movement. The target is for half the members of State Government boards and committees to be women by 214. The percentage of women on boards and committees peaked at 46.3% in August 211. Since that time, the percentage has declined slightly. While progress on this target is not necessarily expected to be linear, the latest figure is slightly below the trajectory required to achieve the target by 214. Nevertheless, the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. As at 1 May 212, there were 457 State Government boards and committees in South Australia. These boards and committees are diverse in terms of functions, form, size, level of responsibility and accountability. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

64 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T31 Chairs of boards and committees: Increase the number of women chairing State Government boards and committees to 5% by 214. Positive movement Unlikely Key measure 55 Percentage of State Government boards and committees chaired by women (24 baseline) Percentage of State Government boards and committees chaired by women April 212 Per cent April June May Mar-4 Sep-4 Mar-5 Sep-5 Mar-6 Sep-6 Mar-7 Sep-7 Mar-8 Sep-8 Mar-9 Sep-9 Mar-1 Sep-1 Mar-11 Sep-11 Mar-12 Sep-12 Mar-13 Sep-13 Mar-14 Sep-14 South Australia Target Baseline Data source: Boards and Committees Information System, Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The percentage of government boards that are chaired by women increased from 23.8% in April 24 (the baseline) to 36.6% in May 212. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. The target is to increase the percentage of women chairs to 5% by 214. This is an ambitious target, which the Audit Committee considers unlikely to be achieved, given the growth rate experienced to date and the trajectory required to reach the target by South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

65 Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Our Community Customer and client satisfaction with government services: T32 Increase the satisfaction of South Australians with government services by 1% by 214, maintaining or exceeding that level of satisfaction thereafter. Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Satisfaction with government services in South Australia: mean score of satisfaction ratings (28 baseline) 5 4 Mean score of ratings South Australia Target 3.64 Baseline 3. Data source: SASP Household Survey. The SASP Household Survey is used to collect information about the level of satisfaction with government services. This survey was first conducted in 28 and most recently conducted in 212. It was not conducted in 211 as the SASP was being updated. 37 Satisfaction is rated on a five-point scale, where 1 means very dissatisfied and 5 means very satisfied. The Audit Committee considers that the best way to measure changes over time in overall satisfaction is to use the average (mean) score rating. In 28 (the baseline year) the mean rating score of satisfaction was This was comparable with the 212 score of The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as steady or no movement. The target is to achieve a 1% increase in the mean score, which would equate to a score of 3.64 by 214. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be unlikely given the stable trend to date and the limited timeframe remaining to achieve this improvement. 37. Further information about the SASP Household Survey is available in the introduction to this report. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

66 Our Community Vision: We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. T33 Government planning decisions: South Australia leads the nation in timely decisions of development applications through to 22. Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Development assessments made within the statutory timeframe (29 1 baseline) Per cent ACT NSW NT Qld SA WA Vic Baseline 2 Data source: National Report on Development Assessment Performance Note: Data for Tasmania are unavailable. In 29 1 (the baseline year), 85% of development assessments were made within the statutory timeframe in South Australia. This was the highest proportion recorded in any Australian jurisdiction, ahead of the Northern Territory (79%) and the ACT (78%). Western Australia recorded the lowest proportion (65%). While South Australia led the nation in timely decisions on development applications in 29 1, no further data is available to assess progress beyond the baseline year at this time. Each state and territory in Australia administers its own Development Assessment system. This can involve either the consideration of a building or planning application, or a combination of both. This measure relates to the percentage of development applications decided in the statutory time period. The Audit Committee has been advised that there are differing statutory times across jurisdictions and, in some instances, across different types of development. 64 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

67 Our Prosperity Overview The Our Prosperity priority area includes the following visions: a strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths; we have a skilled and sustainable workforce; and South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. For many of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target seems likely. South Australia s labour productivity growth is ahead of the national average (T36). Growth in the defence and mining industries is reflected in the ratings for targets in those areas (T41, T42 and T43) and South Australia is on track to achieve the food industry target of $2 billion by 22 (T4). The proportion of women in leadership positions in the South Australian public sector has increased (T52), as has the proportion of Aboriginal people in the public sector (T53). The gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal unemployment rates has narrowed such that the target of halving the gap by 218 is considered within reach, although some caution is appropriate given the apparent volatility of the measure (T51). There has been little change in the proportion of year olds engaged full-time in school, postschool education, training or employment such that the target of 85% by 22 is considered unlikely to be achieved (T54). South Australia s employment growth rate has declined according to the latest data, making achievement of the targeted increase to 216 unlikely (T47). Similarly, South Australia s ratio of business investment as a percentage of the economy has declined relative to the Australian average (T38) and the target appears unlikely to be achieved. One target in this section, to maintain South Australia s AAA credit rating (T34), was not reached, as Standard and Poor s downgraded South Australia s credit rating in 212 to its second highest level of AA+. In relation to the competitive business climate target (T39), Adelaide has maintained its ranking as first of the four Australian cities surveyed but its position internationally has declined, in similar manner to other Australian cities, due in large part to the strong appreciation of the Australian dollar relative to other major currencies. The target to increase the proportion of South Australians aged 6 to 69 years participating in the workforce (T48) is within reach. South Australia s economic growth rate has been slightly less than the national rate over the period since 22 3 but the target of exceeding the national rate over the period to 22 (T35) is still within reach. The gap between the South Australian and Australian unemployment rates is similar to the gap recorded in the baseline year but, allowing for fluctuations in the data, the target (T49) is also considered to remain within reach. Attainment of the population target of two million by 227 appears unlikely, despite increases in recent years (T45). Similarly, although there has been growth in South Australia s export income, the target of $25 billion by 22 remains ambitious (T37). South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

68 Our Prosperity Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 34. Credit rating Negative movement Not reached 35. Economic growth Negative movement Within reach 36. Labour productivity Positive movement On track 37. Total exports Positive movement Unlikely 38. Business investment Negative movement Unlikely 39. Competitive business climate (Adelaide s position within Australia) Competitive business climate (Adelaide s position internationally) Steady or no movement Negative movement On track Within reach 4. Food industry Positive movement On track 41. Minerals exploration Positive movement On track 42. Minerals production and processing Positive movement Within reach 43. Defence industry (employment) Defence industry (economy) Positive movement Unclear (no new data) On track Unclear 44. Aboriginal lands native title Positive movement Within reach 45. Total population Positive movement Unlikely 46. Regional population levels Steady or no movement Within reach 47. Jobs Negative movement Unlikely 48. Ageing workforce participation Steady or no movement Within reach 49. Unemployment Steady or no movement Within reach 5. People with disability Modified target baseline established Modified target 51. Aboriginal unemployment Positive movement Within reach 52. Women Positive movement Within reach 53. Aboriginal employees Positive movement Within reach 54. Learning or earning Steady or no movement Unlikely 55. Apprentices Positive movement On track 56. Strategic infrastructure Modified target baseline established Modified target 57. Broadband access Modified target baseline established Modified target 58. Online business New target baseline established New target 66 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

69 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity Credit rating: Maintain AAA credit rating. T34 Negative movement Not reached Rating agencies such as Standard and Poor s and Moody s regularly assess and rate the creditworthiness of governments and businesses. Having a higher credit rating means that the state is able to borrow on more favourable terms to finance major infrastructure projects. In 24, the baseline year for this target, both agencies rated South Australia to their highest credit rating of AAA Standard and Poor s in September 24 and Moody s in November 24. In every yearly review until 211, both agencies rated South Australia at their highest credit rating. In 212, Standard and Poor s revised the state s credit rating to the second highest level (AA+). Moody s are still reviewing their rating, and until then South Australia retains the AAA rating from them. The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as negative movement and an achievability rating of not reached given the recent downgrading of the credit rating by Standard and Poor s. The Committee notes that the Global Financial Crisis has had a significant impact on revenues and that recent budgets have been framed against the backdrop of a deteriorating world economy. The original 24 SASP included a credit rating target (T1.17), as did the 27 SASP (T1.13). This reflected the fact that, throughout this period, one of the Government s key fiscal targets was to maintain a AAA credit rating for South Australia. The Audit Committee notes that, given the changed economic environment, the Government recently reviewed and updated the underlying fiscal targets on which its budgets are based. Information provided by the South Australian Government indicates that the new targets, which focus on the broader issue of fiscal sustainability rather than focusing on the AAA rating, are: 1. a net operating surplus by the end of the forward estimates; 2. once surplus is achieved operating expenditure growth will be limited to trend growth in household income; and 3. achieve a level of general government net debt that remains affordable over the forward estimates a maximum ratio of net debt to revenue of 5 per cent. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is reviewed as part of the next SASP update process given the Audit Committee has rated it as not reached, and consideration is given to rewording it to make it measureable by, for example, focusing on performance in a single year or over a specific longer term. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

70 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T35 Economic growth: Exceed the national economic growth rate over the period to 22. Negative movement Within reach Key measure Cumulative growth in GSP/GDP since the baseline year (22 3 baseline) 3 25 Per cent growth since South Australia Australia Baseline 2.5 Data source: ABS Cat No Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. South Australia recorded an economic growth rate of 22.4% from 22 3 to As South Australia s economic growth rate was less than the national rate over this same period (of 26.3%) the Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as negative movement. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target by 22 to be within reach. While South Australia s economic growth rate has followed a similar trajectory to the Australian rate in recent years, it is possible that South Australia could overtake the national level in the decade to 22, particularly given that South Australia s annual growth rate has exceeded the national rate on a number of occasions since the baseline year (see graph under supplementary measure below). The Audit Committee notes that this data series is volatile and subject to frequent revision by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Historically this has resulted in significant variations to previously published figures, particularly at the state level. The results therefore need to be treated with caution, and viewed in the context of performance against other targets such as employment growth and investment performance. 68 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

71 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity T35 continued Supplementary measure Growth in GSP/GDP from the previous year Per cent South Australia Australia Data source: ABS Cat No Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. The supplementary measure depicts annual, rather than cumulative, growth in Gross State Product (GSP) for South Australia and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Australia. This was the key measure previously used for the economic growth target (T1.1 in the 27 SASP). South Australia s GSP grew at a higher rate than Australia s GDP in a number of financial years, including (2.4% compared to 2.1% respectively). While South Australia s economic growth rate slowed in 28 9 and 29 1 following the Global Financial Crisis, it remained in positive territory. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

72 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T36 Labour productivity: Exceed Australia s average labour productivity growth rate through to 22. Positive movement On track Key measure Labour productivity growth (22 3 baseline) Per cent South Australia Australia Baseline Data source: ABS Cat. No Labour Force, Australia and ABS Cat. No Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. South Australia s labour productivity growth rate from 22 3 (the baseline year) to was 9.3%. This was higher than the national growth rate of 6.5%. The Audit Committee has given this target a progress rating of positive movement and an achievability rating of on track on the basis that the South Australian growth rate currently exceeds the national growth rate. Labour productivity is defined as the ratio of the value of output to worker hours. It is calculated by dividing Gross State Product (for South Australia) or Gross Domestic Product (for Australia) by actual hours worked (seasonally adjusted). 7 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

73 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity Total exports: Increase the value of South Australia s export income to $25 billion by 22. T37 Positive movement Unlikely Key measures Value of South Australia s exports (goods and services) (22 3 baseline) $ billion Services (balance of payments) Goods (FOB value) Target 25. Baseline Data source: ABS Cat No (goods) and (services). 25 South Australia s export income from goods and services (chain volume method) (22 3 baseline) 2 15 $ billion Services (chain volume) Goods (chain volume) Target 25. Baseline Data source: ABS Cat No 522. Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

74 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T37 continued Exports of goods (merchandise) can be measured directly, using the FOB method (based on administrative records collected by the Australian Customs Service the free-on-board value of export invoices) or indirectly by the chain volume method, a derived measure which calculates the contribution of export income to South Australia s Gross State Product. Services exports can only be measured indirectly, being derived either from balance of payments data or by the chain volume method. Using the FOB measure 38, goods exports grew from $8.4 billion in 22 3 (the baseline year) to $11.2 billion in The value of services exports, calculated from balance of payments data, increased from $1.3 billion in 22 3 to $2. billion in Using the chain volume method 39, goods exports grew to $1.6 billion in 21 11, up from $8.3 billion the previous financial year and $8.5 billion in the 22 3 baseline year. The value of services exports was $1.9 billion in 21 11, up from $1.6 billion in the baseline year (22 3). The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as positive movement on the basis of the growth in export income (on both measures) from the 22 3 baseline year to The average annual growth rate in goods and services using the FOB method from 22 3 to was 3.88%. To reach the target export income of $25 billion by 22 requires an average annual growth rate of 7.38%. The average annual growth rate from 22 3 to using the chain volume method was 2.8%. To reach the $25 billion target by 22 requires an average annual growth rate of 7.95%. While progress towards this target is not expected to occur at a constant rate and will depend to a large extent on the timing of projects in the pipeline, the level of growth required is ambitious and the Audit Committee considers it is unlikely that this target will be achieved. 38. From the seller s point of view an FOB price must include/recover his costs of transport from factory or warehouse, insurance and loading, because the seller is unable to charge these costs as extras once the FOB price has been stated. The FOB expression originates particularly from the meaning that the buyer is free of liability and costs of transport up to the point that the goods are loaded on board the ship. 39. A volume index is most commonly presented as a weighted average of the proportionate changes in the quantities of a specified set of goods or services between two periods of time. 72 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

75 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity Business investment: Exceed Australia s ratio of business investment as a percentage of the economy by 214 and maintain thereafter. T38 Negative movement Unlikely Key measure Ratio of private new capital expenditure to GSP/GDP (22 3 baseline) Per cent South Australia Australia Baseline 8.4 Data source: ABS Cat No 5625.; ABS Cat. No 526. Australian National Accounts: National Income, Expenditure and Product. This target is measured using private new capital expenditure (ABS Cat No 5625.) as a proportion of Gross State Product (GSP) (ABS 522.). In 21 11, private new capital expenditure as a proportion of GSP in South Australia was 6.5%. This is higher than the 22 3 baseline figure of 5.6%. In comparison, the national level grew from 5.1% in 22 3 to 9.2% in South Australia had a higher ratio of business investment than Australia in the baseline year of In 24 5, Australia overtook South Australia, with the gap between the Australian and South Australian figures widening to 2.7 percentage points by A progress rating of negative movement has been assigned due to South Australia s worsening position relative to the national figure. The achievement of this target is also considered unlikely on the basis of this trend. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

76 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T38 continued Supplementary measure Ratio of private gross fixed capital formation to GSP/GDP Per cent South Australia Australia Data source: ABS Cat No 522. Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. The Audit Committee has included Private Gross Fixed Capital Formation as a supplementary measure, as it considers this to be a good measure of business investment. Private Gross Fixed Capital Formation is a whole measure while Private New Capital Expenditure (the current key measure for the target) is not (for example, it excludes expenditure on second hand assets). Additionally, Private Gross Fixed Capital Formation encapsulates a greater scope of economic data and allows for further analysis of sectors where the investment is occurring. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That further consideration is given to whether private gross fixed capital formation as a proportion of GSP/ GDP provides a better measure of business investment than the current measure (ratio of private new capital expenditure to GSP/GDP). 74 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

77 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity Competitive business climate: Maintain Adelaide s rating as the least costly place to set up and do business in Australia and continue to improve our position internationally. T39 Adelaide s position within Australia Steady or no movement On track Adelaide s position internationally Negative movement Within reach Key measure KPMG ratings of Australian cities for business cost competitiveness (24 baseline) Cost Index (reference U.S. = 1) Adelaide Brisbane Melbourne Sydney Baseline 5 Data source: KPMG Competitive Alternatives: KPMG s Guide to International Business Location Survey Note: A lower score on this index indicates a better result. KPMG s Competitive Alternatives report is published biennially. The report measures the individual and combined impact of major cost components (such as salaries and wages, benefits, facility costs, utilities and taxes) as they apply to specific industry sectors. The results are expressed as an index, with the United States assigned the baseline index of 1.. The 212 Competitive Alternatives report rates 113 cities in 14 countries using an overall cost index. A lower index score indicates a more competitive business cost environment (relative to the United States). The report assigns overall competitiveness ratings for countries and cities that are grouped as either mature (Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan) or high growth (Brazil, Mexico, India, Russia and China). In 212, Adelaide received a cost index score of Adelaide was ranked first of the four Australian cities included in the report, slightly ahead of Melbourne, which scored Adelaide s relative position was first most competitive city of the Australian cities surveyed in the baseline year of 24 and in three of the four reports produced subsequently, including the most recent in 212. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this component of the target, to maintain Adelaide s rating as the least costly place to set up and do business in Australia, as steady or no movement. The Committee has rated achievability as on track. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

78 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T39 continued Internationally, in 212 Australia was ranked eighth most competitive of nine mature countries surveyed, with an average cost index of This represents a decline since 21, when Australia was ranked third of these same nine countries, with an average cost rating of The report notes that business costs in Australia have risen due to the strong appreciation of the Australian dollar relative to other major currencies. 4 In a similar manner to the Australian average, Adelaide s cost index score has increased in recent years. Adelaide s cost index score in 24 was 9.4. By 212, this had increased to On the basis of this increased cost index, the Audit Committee has rated progress on the target to continue to improve our position internationally as negative movement. The Committee considers further improvement of Adelaide s international competitiveness to be within reach. The Audit Committee notes that the number of countries and cities included in the Competitive Alternatives report has changed over time. As noted above, the 212 edition includes 113 cities in 14 countries (including Brazil, India, Russia and China for the first time). In comparison, the 21 report rated 95 cities in 1 countries, while the 28 report included 12 cities in 1 countries. While the reports up to and including the 21 edition include information on Adelaide s ranking internationally, the 212 report groups the cities in mature countries by region and ranks them within that region. For Adelaide, and the other Australian cities, this means ranking within the Asia Pacific region, which consists of six cities in Australia and Japan. Given the difficulties in measuring Adelaide s position internationally, the Audit Committee recommends that further consideration be given to this aspect of the target during the next SASP update process. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That further consideration is given to the wording of the target during the next SASP update process, given the difficulties in measuring how Adelaide s business costs compare internationally Competitive Alternatives report, Volume 1, page 7, and 21 Competitive Alternatives report, Volume 1, page South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

79 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity Food industry: Grow the contribution made by the South Australian food industry to $2 billion by 22. T4 Positive movement On track Key measure South Australian Gross Food Revenue (21 2 baseline) $ billion South Australia Target 2. Baseline Data source: SA Food Scorecard, Primary Industries and Regions SA. In 21 11, $13.7 billion worth of food was produced or consumed in South Australia. Gross Food Revenue (GFR) in was $1.3 billion higher than in 29 1 ($12.4 billion) and $4.2 billion higher than in the 21 2 baseline year ($9.5 billion). On the basis of this upward trend, the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement. From 21 2 to 21 11, the average annual growth rate was 4.18%. To achieve the target of $2 billion by 219 2, an average annual growth rate of 4.27% is required. While the growth rate required in the next nine years is slightly above that experienced in the last nine years, the Audit Committee nevertheless considers achievement of the 22 target of $2 billion to be on track, given the strong growth recorded in recent years. The increase in GFR in is largely due to strong seasonal growing conditions, with field crops contributing $4.6 billion (or one third of the total $13.7 billion), up 29% from the previous financial year. GFR captures all commodity and processed food sales that have occurred within South Australia. This includes all food products sold by South Australian producers (sales and interstate or overseas exports) and all food imports purchased by South Australians (from interstate or overseas producers). South Australian producers contributed $11.2 billion to the total GFR in For the purposes of this target, the food industry includes food and beverages (excluding wine) from the following industries: field crops; horticulture; livestock; dairy; and seafood. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

80 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T41 Minerals exploration: Exploration expenditure in South Australia to be maintained in excess of $2 million per annum until 215. Positive movement On track Key measure South Australian mineral exploration expenditure (21 baseline) $ million South Australia Target 2. Baseline 175. Data source: ABS Cat No (aggregated from quarterly data). In 211, the value of minerals exploration in South Australia was $313 million. This is higher than the value recorded in the baseline year ($189 million). On this basis, the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement. The 211 minerals exploration value of $313 million is higher than the target of $2 million per annum. As such, the Audit Committee considers the achievability of this target to be on track. There are multiple factors influencing private mineral exploration expenditure in South Australia, including: global economic climate; commodity prices; fiscal regime; and supportive State Government policy and initiatives. The Audit Committee understands that it is a change in the balance of these factors that contributed to the increase in private mineral exploration expenditure in 211. During 211, the global economic climate showed a return to the more favourable conditions pre-global Financial Crisis with increasing investor confidence in the exploration sector. In addition the State Government s PACE 22 initiative and in particular the PACE Exploration drilling partnerships with industry program is believed to have contributed to the increased exploration expenditure in South Australia. 78 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

81 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity T41 continued As there are multiple factors impacting on company investment in the exploration sector of the mining industry, it remains difficult to predict future expenditure in this sector. Nevertheless, the Audit Committee considers it is reasonable to expect that the level of expenditure recorded in 211 will continue in the period to 215. However, given the current fluctuating global economic climate there remains a level of uncertainty around the exploration expenditure levels anticipated in the future. South Australia s Strategic Plan lists the baseline year for Target 41 as 23. The baseline was later moved to 21, on the basis that this was the most recent data available at the time of the SASP release in September 211. This change was one of a small number of amendments to SASP endorsed by the Government. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

82 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T42 Minerals production and processing: Increase the value of minerals production and processing to $1 billion by 22. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Value of South Australian minerals production and processing (23 baseline) 1, 9, 8, 7, $ million 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Production ,262 1, ,13 1,585 2,37 2,497 2,625 2,873 3,283 4,963 Processing ,2 1, ,176 1, Target 1, Baseline Data source: ABS Cat No (aggregated from quarterly data). The value of minerals production and processing in South Australia has increased steadily from $1.98 billion in the 22 3 baseline year to $5.91 billion in The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive movement. The value of minerals production and processing had an average annual growth rate of 14.63% from 22 3 to An average annual growth rate of 6.1% is required in the next nine years to reach the target of $1 billion by 22. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. Although the average annual growth rate suggests that South Australia is well placed to achieve the target, the Audit Committee notes that these calculations are highly influenced by the results, and there is a degree of uncertainly about the potential to maintain this momentum. Factors influencing the value of minerals produced include: global economic climate; commodity prices; and federal fiscal/taxation regime. The primary factors influencing South Australian mineral production in were increased volumes of some commodities and continued high commodity prices. Increased volumes resulted from: production at the new Jacinth-Ambrosia mine (heavy mineral concentrate); increased production from the Middleback Ranges (iron ore haematite); and the return to full production at Olympic Dam (copper, uranium, gold and silver) after shaft failure caused significantly decreased volumes in South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

83 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity T42 continued In 21 11, the value of mineral production was $4.96 billion, while processing accounted for $.95 billion. The value of mineral production has increased substantially over recent years, with the figure more than five times greater than the 22 3 baseline. In comparison, the value of minerals processing has stagnated over this same period. There are currently two major contributors to mineral processing in South Australia: Arrium s Whyalla Steelworks manufacturing steel from iron ore derived from the Middleback Ranges; and Nyrstar s Port Pirie plant producing copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver and sulphuric acid from ore sourced from a variety of Australian mines. The Audit Committee notes that there is potential for growth in the State s mineral processing due to the commitment of Arafura Resources to establish a major new rare earth mineral processing plant at Whyalla. The Audit Committee considers that it would be useful to include separate growth targets for minerals production and processing as part of this target and to adopt a dual rating approach, with each component given a separate rating. This approach would better enable the monitoring of trends in both minerals production and processing. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is modified as part of the next SASP update process to include separate growth targets for minerals production and processing (totalling $1 billion by 22). A dual rating approach could then be adopted, with production and processing given separate ratings. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

84 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T43 Defence industry: Increase defence and defence industry annual contribution to our economy to $2.5 billion and employment to 37, people by 22 (milestone of $2 billion and 28, people by 213). Employment Positive movement On track Contribution to economy Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure 1 Defence sector employment in South Australia (23 baseline) 4, 35, 3, Number of people 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, Indirect 11,898 13,383 11,78 13,127 12,991 14,227 Direct 1,38 11,135 1,985 11,639 11,65 12,655 Milestone 28, Target 37, Baseline 16, Baseline 16, Data source: Defence SA (based on defence industry surveys and modelling). Total (direct and indirect) employment in the defence sector was 26,882 people in 21 11, up from 24,596 people the previous financial year and 16, people in the 23 baseline year. Given these figures, the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement. The average annual growth from the baseline year to was 6.7%. To reach the milestone of 28, people employed in the defence industry by requires an average annual growth rate of 2.6%, while achieving the target of 37, people by requires average annual growth of 3.61%. As both figures are lower than the growth rate experienced to date, the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track. In 21 11, 12,655 people were directly employed in the defence sector and 14,227 people were indirectly employed. Direct and indirect employment numbers have both fluctuated over recent years. Direct employment numbers are sourced directly from companies that self-identify as being part of the defence industry sector when responding to a Defence SA survey. Indirect employment numbers are extrapolated from the direct employment numbers using industry multipliers. No data was collected in 24 or South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

85 Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. Our Prosperity T43 continued Key measure 2 Defence industry s contribution to South Australia s Gross Domestic Product (23 baseline) 2,5 2,25 2, 1,75 Value ($ million) 1,5 1,25 1, South Australia 1, 1,215 Milestone 2, Target 2,5 Baseline 1, Data source: Defence SA. Data on the defence industry s contribution to the South Australian economy is available infrequently. As the latest available data is for the 27 8 financial year, the Audit Committee has rated progress and achievability as unclear. In 27 8, defence activity contributed $1.215 billion to the South Australian economy. This figure is comprised of the total (direct and indirect) economic contribution of the specialist defence industry ($783 million), and the economic benefit arising from operational expenditure at the state s four major Defence facilities ($432 million). The economic contribution of Defence s training expenditure on South Australian ranges and operational expenditure related to the state s minor Defence facilities is not captured in this data. Defence SA has previously highlighted the difficulties associated with measuring the economic contribution of the defence industry. This situation remains unchanged for the 212 Progress Report. The Audit Committee is concerned about the lack of regular and reliable data to measure this target and recommends that Defence SA investigate alternative ways of measuring the economic contribution of the defence industry. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That Defence SA investigate alternative options to measure the contribution of the defence industry to the economy. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

86 Our Prosperity Vision: A strong, sustainable economy that builds on our strengths. T44 Aboriginal lands native title: Resolve 8% of native title claims by 22. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Percentage of native title claims resolved (24 baseline) 9 8 Per cent of claims resolved (cumulative) South Australia Target 8. Baseline 22. Data source: South Australian Native Title Claim Resolution Unit, Attorney-General s Department. A similar Aboriginal lands target was included in the 27 SASP (T3.15), focusing on the resolution of those claims lodged in 24. This target was modified in the 211 SASP to establish a more ambitious goal (to resolve 8% rather than 75% of claims) and to measure all claims lodged since 24. In the 24 baseline year, there were 29 existing native title claims over land and waters in South Australia. Since then, 19 new claims have been lodged and 19 have been closed (including 13 from the original group of 29 claims). As a result, the total number of open claims is now 29. The total number of claims that were open in 24 or lodged since that date is 48 (29 plus 19). As at March 212, 19 of the 48 claims had been resolved (including 13 of the original 24 group of 29 claims). The Audit Committee has therefore given this target a progress rating of positive movement. The 19 native title claims resolved in the eight years to 212 equates to 39.6% of all claims lodged. The target is to resolve 8% of claims by 22. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. However, the Committee notes that progress is likely to be non-linear, and the resolution of one claim may affect the resolution of others. Attainment of this target will also be influenced by the number of new claims lodged, and when claims are lodged, as this will impact upon the time available to resolve claims by South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

87 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity Total population: Increase South Australia s population to 2 million by 227. T45 Positive movement Unlikely Key measure South Australia s Estimated Resident Population (ERP) (23 baseline) (June 23) (June 211) Millions of people SA ERP Target Baseline Data source: ABS Cat. No Australian Demographic Statistics, Table 4. As at June 211, South Australia s population was million. This was higher than the population in the 23 baseline year of million. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. From June 23 to June 21 South Australia experienced strong population growth. However, the growth rate has slowed more recently, due particularly to a decline in net overseas migration, down from a peak of 17,984 in the 12 months to June 29 to 8,667 in the 12 months to June 211. The Audit Committee considers that the achievement of the target to increase the state s population to 2 million by 227 is unlikely. It notes that this is an ambitious goal and requires an average annual growth rate of 1.26%, which is higher than the average annual growth rate recorded between the baseline year of 23 and 211 (.85%). The target of 2 million by 227 is also above the high growth scenario projection issued by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (as shown in the supplementary measures). As noted above, the achievement of this target will be influenced by net overseas migration, as this is an important driver of total population growth. Trends in interstate migration and fertility rates will also impact upon population numbers. South Australia has experienced net migration loss to other states in recent years. Between the June 23 baseline and June 211, South Australia s annual loss to interstate migration peaked at 5,195 people in December 28. For the 12 months to June 211 the net loss was 2,613 people. In 21 11, South Australia s fertility rate was 1.81 (based on preliminary data). This is below the peak of 1.95 births per woman recorded in 28, but higher than the figures recorded at the beginning of the decade (which reached a low of 1.68 in 24). South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

88 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T45 continued The Audit Committee notes that the proportion of the total population aged less than 25 years declined from 33.4% in 23 to 32.5% in 211, while the proportion aged 6 years and over increased from 19.4% to 22.% over this same period (refer to the SASP website for further information). Supplementary measures South Australian net interstate migration (moving annual total) Jun- Dec- Jun-1 Dec-1 Jun-2 Dec-2 Jun-3 Dec-3 Jun-4 Dec-4 Jun-5 Dec-5 Jun-6 Dec-6 Jun-7 Dec-7 Jun-8 Dec-8 Jun-9 Dec-9 Jun-1 Dec-1 Jun-11 Number (total of previous 4 quarters) -1, -2, -3, -4, ,191-3,823-3,519-2,55-2,613 (June 211) -5, -5,195-6, Data source: ABS Cat. No 311. Australian Demographic Statistics, Table 2. 2, Net overseas migration gain to South Australia (moving annual total) Net overseas migration gain to South Australia (moving annual total) 18, 17,17 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 3,94 (June 23) 4,35 7,2 9,813 14,638 15,324 8,667 (June 211) 8,967 2, Jun- Dec- Jun-1 Dec-1 Jun-2 Dec-2 Jun-3 Dec-3 Jun-4 Dec-4 Jun-5 Annual number (total of previous 4 quarters) Dec-5 Jun-6 Dec-6 Jun-7 Dec-7 Jun-8 Dec-8 Jun-9 Dec-9 Jun-1 Dec-1 Jun-11 Dec-11 Jun-12 Dec-12 Jun-13 Dec-13 Jun-14 Data source: ABS Cat. No 311. Australian Demographic Statistics, Table South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

89 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity T45 continued South Australian population fertility rate Total fertility rate South Australia Data source: ABS Cat. No Births Australia, Table South Australia s Estimated Resident Population (ERP) and ABS projections (issued September 28) for high, medium and low growth scenarios (series A, B and C) South Australia's Estimated Resident Population (ERP) and ABS projections (issued Sep 28) for high, medium and low growth scenarios (series A, B and C) High: 2m by 229 Medium: 2m by 235 Low: 2m by (June 211) previous High: 1.7m by ERP (million people) SA ERP Series A Series B Series C previous Series A (Nov 25) Data source: ABS Cat. No and South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

90 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T46 Regional population levels: Increase regional populations, outside of Greater Adelaide, by 2, to 32, or more by 22. Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Regional population levels (21 baseline) Estimated Resident Population (') South Australia Target 32. Baseline 3. Data source: ABS Cat. No 3218., South Australia, Population Estimates by Statistical Local Area, 21 to 211. Note: the scale on the vertical axis of the graph does not start at zero. In 26, the Government adopted standardised definitions of 12 regions in South Australia for planning and reporting. There are four regions in metropolitan Adelaide (Northern Adelaide, Western Adelaide, Southern Adelaide and Eastern Adelaide), three regions of Greater Adelaide (Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Light and Lower North, and Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island) and five country regions (Eyre and Western, Yorke and Mid North, Far North, Murray and Mallee and Limestone Coast). These five country regions constitute the area outside of Greater Adelaide for the purpose of measuring this target. The combined population of the five country regions outside of Greater Adelaide decreased from 295,7 people in the 21 baseline year to 294,6 people in 211, a decrease of 1,1 people. The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as steady or no movement given the size of this decrease relative to the population number. An increase of 25,4 people is required in the next nine years to meet the target population of 32,. The Audit Committee recognises that this is a significant task and is concerned about the likelihood of achieving this target. However, it has rated the achievability of this target as within reach, to be consistent with the approach taken to other targets where there is only one data point beyond the baseline year. As it is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points, the Audit Committee has adopted a cautious approach in these situations. In 21 and 211, the Far North region comprised approximately one quarter of the total regional population (with an estimated resident population of approximately 8, people). The Eyre and Western region had the smallest population of the five regions, at approximately 35,1 people. 88 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

91 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity T46 continued Regional population levels (21 baseline) 35 Estimated Resident Population (') Yorke and Lower North Murray Lands South East Eyre and Western Far North Target 32. Baseline 1 Data source: ABS Cat. No 3218., South Australia, Population Estimates by Statistical Local Area, 21 to 211. The Audit Committee notes that the target to achieve a regional population of 32, by 22 is based on an increase of 2, persons from the 21 baseline year. The original 21 baseline population figure of approximately 3, was based on an estimate, which has since been revised down to 295,7. Consequently, the statement that a 2, increase in the population would equate to a total population of 32, is no longer accurate. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the wording of this target is revisited as part of the next SASP update process, in light of the revised baseline population figure that was published in July 212, to ensure that the numbers specified in the target are consistent with each other. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

92 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T47 Jobs: Increase employment by 2% each year from 21 to 216. Negative movement Unlikely Key measure Annual Employment Growth (January 21 baseline) 4 Annual Growth (per cent) % Jan % Aug 21 1.% Jan % May % Jun Jan-24 Apr-24 Jul-24 Oct-24 Jan-25 Apr-25 Jul-25 Oct-25 Jan-26 Apr-26 Jul-26 Oct-26 Jan-27 Apr-27 Jul-27 Oct-27 Jan-28 Apr-28 Jul-28 Oct-28 Jan-29 Apr-29 Jul-29 Oct-29 Jan-21 Apr-21 Jul-21 Oct-21 Jan-211 Apr-211 Jul-211 Oct-211 Jan-212 Apr-212 Jul-212 South Australia Baseline Data source: ABS Cat No Labour Force, Australia. Note: The data shown is an annual growth rate, that is, the June 212 figure is the percentage change in employment from June 211 to June 212. In January 21 (the baseline for this target), South Australia recorded an annual employment growth rate of 1.7%. This declined to -.9% by June 212 leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as negative movement. The Audit Committee has interpreted the target to mean an average annual employment growth rate of 2% per annum over the period 21 to 216. Achievement of this target is considered unlikely on the basis of the latest data. If the Audit Committee applied a more literal interpretation to the wording of 2% each year, the target would be rated as not achieved in its first year, which does not seem appropriate, given this data was available when the SASP was released in 211. The Committee therefore recommends that the target be reworded to clarify the intention. The Audit Committee also notes that there is wide variation in the results at a regional level (refer to the SASP website for further information). Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to rewording the target as part of the next SASP update process to clarify the level of increase required through to 216, particularly whether it is an annual increase, or average growth per annum. 9 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

93 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity Ageing workforce participation: Increase the proportion of older South Australians who are engaged in the workforce by 1 percentage points by 22. T48 Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Ageing workforce participation 6 to 69 years (January 21 baseline) Ageing Workforce Participation - 6 to 69 years (January 21 baseline) Participation Rate (per cent) % Jan % Jun Jan-24 Jan-25 Jan-26 Jan-27 Jan-28 Jan-29 Jan-21 Jan-211 Jan-212 Jan-213 Jan-214 Jan-215 Jan-216 Jan-217 Jan-218 Jan-219 Jan-22 South Australia Target Baseline Data source: ABS Labour Force, Australia, Detailed Electronic Delivery (SuperTable Datacube), LM8, Original data. In January 21 (the baseline for this target), 4.3% of South Australians aged 6 to 69 years were participating in the workforce. This is similar to the level recorded in June 212, of 39.4%. The Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement on the basis of these figures, although it notes that between these two dates the participation rate dropped to a low of 36.7% in May 211. The target aims to increase the workforce participation of older South Australians to 5.3% by 22. Despite the lack 1 of 1 of movement to date, the Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach, given there are eight years to reach this target. However, the Audit Committee notes that this is an ambitious target and continued effort is required to improve mature age participation in the workforce. The Audit Committee also notes the gender gap in workforce participation, which has remained relatively constant over the period since January 21. According to the most recent data, in June 212, 3.2% of older South Australian women were participating in the workforce, compared to 49.1% of older men. (Refer to the SASP website for further information.) Workforce participation is the number of people who are working, or who are actively looking for work (that is, the total number of people employed and unemployed). South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

94 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T49 Unemployment: Maintain equal or lower than the Australian average through to 22. Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Trend Unemployment Rate (January 24 baseline) 1 Trend Unemployment Rate (January 24 baseline) Jan-2 Jul-2 Jan-21 Jul-21 Jan-22 Jul-22 Jan-23 Jul-23 Unemployment Rate (per cent) X Jan-24 Jul-24 Jan-25 Jul-25 Jan-26 Jul-26 Jan-27 Jul-27 Jan-28 Jul-28 Jan-29 Jul-29 Jan-21 Jul-21 Jan-211 Jul-211 Jan-212 Jul-212 South Australia Australia Baseline Data source: ABS 622. Labour Force, Australia, tables 1(Aust) and 7(SA). In January 24 (the baseline period), South Australia s unemployment rate was.5 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate. From July 211 to March 212, this gap had narrowed to.1 percentage points or less. However, by June 212, it had increased again to.6 percentage points. The Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement given South Australia s unchanged position compared to the national rate at the baseline year. While it is not the focus of this target, the Audit Committee notes South Australia s unemployment rate improved over 1 of 1 the period, decreasing from 6.1% in January 24 to 5.2% in January 212, before increasing again to 5.7% in June 212. Between January 24 and June 212 South Australia s unemployment rate was generally higher than the national rate. However, there were stages during this period when the reverse was true, with South Australia recording a lower unemployment rate from August 25 to March 26 and from April 29 to March 21. Allowing for fluctuations in the data, the Audit Committee considers the achievement of the 22 target to be within reach. 92 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

95 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity People with disability: Increase by 1% the number of people with a disability employed in South Australia by 22. T5 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Number of people in South Australia with a disability aged employed in the public and private sectors (29 baseline) 1, 8, Number of people 6, 4, 2, South Australia 94,4 89,7 Baseline 2 Data source: ABS Cat. No Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: State tables for South Australia (29 and 23). This target has been substantially modified from the 27 SASP target (T6.22), which was limited to employment in the public sector, to be more inclusive by including employment of people with a disability in the private sector. In 29, there were 89,7 people with a disability aged 15 to 64 years employed in the public and private sectors. The Audit Committee has not rated progress and achievability, reflecting the establishment of this target and a new baseline of 29. There is no subsequent data currently available. In 29, there were 179,6 people aged 15 to 64 with a disability in South Australia. As noted above, 89,7 were employed, which equates to 49.9%. The ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers defines disability as any limitation, restriction or impairment which restricts everyday activities and has lasted or is likely to last for at least six months Australian Bureau of Statistics (29) Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, Cat. No South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

96 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T51 Aboriginal unemployment: Halve the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal unemployment rates by 218. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Unemployment rates for Aboriginal and non-aboriginal South Australians (28 baseline) Per cent Aboriginal non-aboriginal Baseline 15. Data source: ABS Labour Force Characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, Estimates from the Labour Force Survey Table 3; and 622. Labour Force, Australia, Table 7 (Seasonally adjusted 12 month average). In 28 (the baseline year), the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal unemployment rates was 14. percentage points. In 21, this gap had widened to 21.5 percentage points, before declining to 1. percentage points in 211. The Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement given the improved performance in the latest year (211) compared to the baseline year (28). Unemployment rates for Aboriginal people are estimates from the ABS Labour Force Survey, and due to the sample size of the Labour Force Survey and the comparatively small size of the Aboriginal population they may be subject to wide fluctuations. Given this situation, and that there is seven years remaining to achieve the target, the Audit Committee has rated achievability as within reach, although this assessment is made with some caution given the apparent volatility of the measure during the three years since the baseline year. 94 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

97 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity Women: Have women comprising half of the public sector employees in the executive levels (including Chief Executives) by 214 and maintain thereafter. T52 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Proportion of women executives in the public sector (23 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 5. Baseline 5. Data source: Office for Ethical Standards and Professional Integrity. The proportion of female executives in the South Australian public sector increased from 29.4% in 23 (the baseline year) to 43.1% in 211, resulting in a progress rating of positive movement. The average annual growth rate from 23 to 211 was 4.9%. To achieve the target by 214 requires a slightly higher average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. While this target focuses on the proportion of women executives in the public sector, it should be noted that the number of women executives increased from 296 in 23 to 61 in 211. The definition of an executive includes Public Sector Act 29 appointments, other statutory and constitutional appointments, managers, Chief Executive Officers, professional specialists, medical officers, nurses and legal services officers employed at the executive level across the Administrative Units and Other Public Sector Organisations. In summary, an executive is someone who receives a total salary equivalent to $16,68 per annum or more or receives a Total Remuneration Package Value (TRPV) type contract equivalent to $134,13 per annum or more and has professional or managerial executive responsibilities or was appointed/employed under specific sections of the Public Sector Act. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

98 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T53 Aboriginal employees: Increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the South Australian public sector, spread across all classifications and agencies, to 2% by 214 and maintain or better those levels through to 22. Positive movement Within reach Key measure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) employees as a percentage of all employees in the South Australian public sector (23 baseline) Per cent ATSI employees Target 2. Baseline 1. Data source: Department of the Premier and Cabinet. In 211, 1.62% of employees in the South Australian public sector were Aboriginal and/or Torrens Strait Islander (ATSI). This was considerably higher than the 23 (baseline year) figure of.92%. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. From 23 to 211 the average annual growth rate was 7.33%. A similar rate (7.28%) is required in the next three years to reach the 214 target. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. This assessment takes into consideration that, although there was a general upward trend in the proportion of ATSI employees from 23 to 21, this stabilised in 211. While this target focuses on the proportion of Aboriginal employees in the public sector, it is notable that the number of Aboriginal employees more than doubled between 23 and 211 (increasing from 682 to 1,641 respectively). 96 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

99 Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. Our Prosperity Learning or earning: Increase the proportion of year olds engaged full-time in school, post-school education, training or employment (or combination thereof) to 85% by 22. T54 Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Learning or earning year olds (22 23 baseline) 85 8 Per cent of Year Olds % 78.4% 55 5 Jun-21 Jun-22 Jun-23 Jun-24 Jun-25 Jun-26 Jun-27 Jun-28 Jun-29 Jun-21 Jun-211 Jun-212 Jun-213 Jun-214 Jun-215 Jun-216 Jun-217 Jun-218 Jun-219 Jun-22 South Australia Target Baseline Data source: ABS Cat No Labour Force, Australia, Detailed Electronic Delivery, Data cube LM3. The proportion of South Australians aged 15 to 24 years engaged in learning or earning was 78.6% in June 23 (the baseline year). A similar level was recorded in June 212 (78.4%) leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as steady or no movement. From June 23 to June 212 the percentage of youth learning or earning has generally been below 8%, fluctuating between a low of 77.3% in November 24 and a high of 8.7% in August and September 28. The Audit Committee considers achievement of the 85% target by 22 to be unlikely given the stable trend to date and that a six percentage point increase is required in the next eight years. However, the Committee notes that the Skills for All Strategy launched in aims to address this trend by engaging more 15 to 24 year olds in school, post school education, training or employment. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

100 Our Prosperity Vision: We have a skilled and sustainable workforce. T55 Apprentices: Increase the number of apprentice completions in trade occupations by 2% by 22. Positive movement On track Key measure Apprentice completions in traditional trades (December 29 baseline) 4, 3,5 Number of apprenticeship completions 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, South Australia 2,7 2,914 3,416 Target 3,24 Baseline 2,9 Data source: National Centre for Vocational Educational Research (NCVER) VOCSTATS, Apprentices and Trainees. In December 29 (the baseline year) there were 2,7 apprentice completions in traditional trades. This increased by 26.5% to 3,416 in December 211. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive movement. The Audit Committee has given this target an achievability rating of on track. While the number of apprentice completions in trade occupations recorded in 211 exceeds the 22 target, to achieve this target it will be necessary to maintain this momentum through to 22. The Audit Committee notes that further work could be done to improve the participation levels of some segments of the population. In particular, there is a substantial gender gap in apprentice completions, with women comprising 11% of all apprentice completions in trade occupations between 29 and 211. Aboriginal persons and persons with a disability also comprise a small proportion of all apprentice completions (1% and 2% respectively in the three year period 29 to 211). (Refer to the SASP website for further information.) Apprentices in traditional trades are those classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) major group 3 Technicians and trades workers. Technicians and trades workers perform a variety of skilled tasks, applying broad or in-depth technical, trade or industry specific knowledge, often in support of scientific, engineering, building and manufacturing activities Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), Cat. No South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

101 Vision: South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. Our Prosperity Strategic Infrastructure: Ensure that the provision of key economic and social infrastructure accommodates population growth. T56 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measures Real per capita asset stock general and non-financial public sector (21 11 baseline) 7, 6, 5, Dollars per capita 4, 3, 2, 1, South Australia 35,487 5,443 56,125 Baseline 4, Data source: SA Government, Budget Papers, Paper 3 Chapter 4; ABS 311., Table Estimated Resident Population, States and Territories. South Australian public and private engineering construction per capita (21 11 baseline) 4, South Australian public and private engineering construction per capita (21-11 baseline) 3,5 3, Dollars per capita 2,5 2, 1,5 1, South Australia 2,227 2,859 2,819 Baseline 2, Data source: ABS 8762., Table Activity, By Type, SA, Original ; ABS 311., Table Estimated Resident Population, States and Territories. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

102 Our Prosperity Vision: South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. T56 continued Non-residential building construction expenditure per capita (21 11 baseline) 2, 1,75 1,5 Dollars per capita 1,25 1, South Australia 1,97 1,445 1,437 Baseline 1, Data source: ABS 8752., Table Value of Building Work, SA, Original ; ABS 311., Table Estimated Resident Population, States and Territories. Target 56 in the 211 SASP is a modification of T1.21 in the 27 SASP, amended to link investment in infrastructure to population growth. The 211 SASP specifies three key measures for this target. Each measure has a baseline year of As there is currently no data available beyond the baseline year, the Audit Committee is unable to assess progress or achievability. Measure 1 details real per capita asset stock. This is calculated by adding land and fixed assets for the general government sector and those of the non-financial public sector and dividing the total by South Australia s estimated resident population. As at 3 June 211, land and other fixed assets held by general government sector agencies, including road and rail networks and land and building held mainly by education and health-related agencies, totalled $33.7 billion. As at 3 June 211, the total value of land and other fixed assets for the non-financial public sector was $59.3 billion. This figure includes assets held by SA Water (water and wastewater infrastructure such as pipelines, water filtration plants and reservoirs) and the South Australian Housing Trust. In total, this equates to $93. billion in asset stock. When divided by South Australia s population of 1.6 million, this equates to a per capita asset stock of $56,125. In 211, public and private new engineering construction per capita in South Australia was $2,819. Public and private new engineering construction per capita includes activity in the following areas: electricity generation, transmission and distribution, harbours, bridges, roads, highways and subdivision, heavy industry (oil, gas, coal, other minerals and other heavy industry), pipelines, sewerage and drainage, telecommunications and recreation. In 211, non-residential building construction expenditure per capita was $1,437. Non-residential building construction per capita includes the following categories of building (fixed structures with a roof); agricultural production, commercial, educational, entertainment and recreation, factories, health, industrial, offices, religious, retail/wholesale, transport, and warehouses. The Audit Committee understands the intent of this target, but considers that the current target wording does not lend itself to ready assessment. The Committee suggests that further consideration be given to the wording of this target as part of the next SASP update. 1 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

103 Vision: South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. Our Prosperity Broadband access: The proportion of South Australian premises with access to broadband services delivered by fibre technology meets the national average by 22. T57 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established In 211 (the baseline year),.11% of South Australian premises had access (but were not necessarily connected) to broadband services delivered by fibre technology. This was comparable with the national average of.15%. As this is a modified target with a 211 baseline, the Audit Committee has not rated progress or achievability. At this stage, data on the proportion of South Australian premises with access to broadband services delivered by fibre technology is only available for the 211 baseline year. Given the limited information available, the Audit Committee has decided not to include a graph depicting the key measure for this target in this 212 Progress Report. The Committee notes that further progress data will be available in the future to monitor progress towards the 22 target. The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a long term infrastructure project that is due to be completed by It will provide a vast network of fibre optic cables and wireless and satellite technologies. NBN Co has a set target for the delivery of fibre services to 93% of Australian premises (homes, offices and schools) and more limited services through non-fibre wireless (4%) and satellite (3%) broadband by 221. This SASP target measures the proportion of South Australian premises with access to high speed services delivered by fibre technology to ensure alignment with the national figure (87% by 22). The quality of broadband available in the state rather than the quantity will impact on its contribution to innovation and growth opportunities for prosperity. The 211 South Australian results relate to premises in the Willunga First Release NBN site (completed in September 211). In the next stage of the NBN rollout in South Australia work is occurring in the following locations: Seaford/McLaren Vale, Aldinga, Modbury, Port Augusta, Port Elliot, Prospect, Strathalbyn, Stirling and Yankalilla. 43. The NBN recently revised the year of completion from 22 to 221. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

104 Our Prosperity Vision: South Australia plans and delivers the right infrastructure. T58 Online business: Increase the proportion of businesses that receive orders online from 24% to 4% by 214 and continue growth each year to 22. New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure Business use of IT: received orders via internet (27 8 baseline) 4 Per cent of businesses receiving orders online South Australia Target 4. Baseline 2 Data source: ABS Business Use of Information Technology (BUIT). The latest available South Australian data on businesses receiving orders online is from 27 8 (the baseline year). In that year, 24.2% of South Australian businesses received orders online. The data source for this target is the ABS Business Characteristics Survey, which has been conducted every two years since The most recent survey was conducted in 29 1, but the sample size for that survey was too small to enable data disaggregation at the state level. It is understood that future Business Characteristics Surveys and BUIT publications will also not have reliable data available at the state level. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That alternative data sources are explored to obtain reliable data at the state level given that future ABS Business Characteristics Surveys and Business Use of Information Technology publications are unlikely to report data for South Australia. 12 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

105 Our Environment Overview The Our Environment priority area includes the following visions: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change; we look after our natural environment; and we value and protect our water resources. For the majority of the targets in this priority area there has been positive movement from the baseline year and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach. However, the Audit Committee notes that significant, long-term environmental challenges remain which will not be easy to overcome and will require concerted, sustained effort. Highlights in this section include improvements in the energy efficiency of government buildings (T61); progress in developing regional climate change adaptation plans (T62); an increase in the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources (T64); and improvements in sustainable land management (T7). South Australia has maintained a positive balance on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority salinity register (T77) and is also on track to achieve the targets related to harvesting recycled stormwater (T73) and recycled wastewater (T74). The amount of waste to landfill has reduced such that the target in this area remains within reach (T67). The energy efficiency of dwellings in South Australia has improved from the baseline year, but the target remains ambitious and is considered unlikely to be achieved (T6). While 35 of the water management areas in South Australia are currently managed within sustainable limits, achieving the target (for all 67 areas to be managed within sustainable limits by 218) will be a challenge (T75). The lose no species target (T69) has also been assessed as unlikely to be achieved, based on the significant declines over recent years in some species, coupled with the strict wording of the target, which the Committee has interpreted to mean that the loss of any one species at any time in the future would mean that the target is not achieved. Greenhouse gas emissions have reduced from the baseline year of 199 but it is considered too early to accurately assess if South Australia is on track to meet the 25 target (T59). The GreenPower target (T65) of purchasing renewable energy for 5% of the Government s own electricity needs, which is essentially within the Government s direct sphere of influence, remains within reach. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

106 Our Environment Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 59. Greenhouse gas emissions reduction Positive movement Within reach 6. Energy efficiency dwellings Positive movement Unlikely 61. Energy efficiency government buildings Positive movement Within reach 62. Climate change adaptation Positive movement On track 63. Use of public transport Positive movement Within reach 64. Renewable energy Positive movement On track 65. GreenPower Steady or no movement Within reach 66. Emissions intensity New target baseline established New target 67. Zero waste Positive movement Within reach 68. Urban development New target baseline established New target 69. Lose no species Steady or no movement Unlikely 7. Sustainable land management (agricultural land) Sustainable land management (pastoral land) Positive movement Positive movement On track Within reach 71. Marine biodiversity Positive movement Unclear (no data) 72. Nature conservation New target baseline established New target 73. Recycled stormwater Positive movement On track 74. Recycled wastewater Positive movement On track 75. Sustainable water use Steady or no movement Unlikely 76. River Murray flows Positive movement On track 77. River Murray salinity Steady or no movement On track 14 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

107 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Greenhouse gas emissions reduction: Achieve the Kyoto target by limiting the state s greenhouse gas emissions to 18% of 199 levels during , as a first step towards reducing emissions by 6% (to 4% of 199 levels) by 25. T59 Positive movement Within reach Key measure South Australia s net greenhouse gas emissions (199 baseline) CO2 equivalent ( million tonnes) SA actual emissions 199 baseline Projected business as usual emissions (Australian growth) 25 Target 25 reduction trajectory Kyoto Target - 18% of 199 emissions Data source: National Greenhouse Gas Inventory 21, Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and Australia s Low Pollution Future, The Economics of Climate Change Mitigation Report. The Kyoto Protocol established 199 as the baseline year for tracking progress on greenhouse gas emissions. This same year has been adopted as the baseline for SASP Target 59 (formerly T3.5 in the 27 SASP). South Australia s net greenhouse gas emissions were 32.2 mega tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) in 199. In 21, net greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia were 3.4 Mt of CO 2 -e. The Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement given the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over this period. In assessing the achievability of this target the Audit Committee has noted that progress has been made towards the initial goal, as the first step towards reducing emissions to 4% of 199 levels by 25 (to 13 Mt CO 2 -e). To limit the state s greenhouse gas emissions to 18% of 199 levels between 28 and 212 requires reducing emissions to less than 35 Mt CO 2 -e per year. The Audit Committee notes that the results from the last three years (32.1 Mt CO 2 -e in 28, 3. in 29 and 3.4 in 21) are positive. However, given the long-term nature of the overall target, which is to reduce emissions by 6% of 199 levels by 25, the Committee considered it is too early to accurately assess if South Australia is on track and that an assessment of within reach is appropriate at this stage. The Audit Committee notes that while the South Australian Government continues to have a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many of the policies that ultimately affect progress on this target will be set at the national level (such as carbon pricing mechanisms and the Renewable Energy Target Scheme). The Audit Committee has been advised by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources that the 1.9 (after rounding) Mt CO 2 -e reduction between 199 and 21 largely reflects a reduction in land use and forestry emissions (of 3 Mt). This includes a move from an emissions source due to deforestation in 199 to an emissions sink from revegetation and new forestry plantings. The agricultural and waste sectors have also experienced reductions in emissions (of.9 Mt and.4 Mt respectively). Conversely, emissions from the energy sector have grown by 2 Mt during this period and there has also been an increase in industrial process emissions. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

108 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T6 Energy efficiency dwellings: Improve the energy efficiency of dwellings by 15% by 22 (milestone of 1% by 214). Positive movement Unlikely Key measure South Australian residential energy efficiency index (EEI) (23 4 baseline) Energy efficiency index South Australia Milestone 23.9 Target Baseline Data source: Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) Australian Energy Statistics Energy Update 212, ETSA Utilities, Envestra, ABS Cat No Household and Family Projections, Australia. The Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) is defined as the number of average residential dwellings that can have their annual energy needs met by a given quantity of energy in this case 1 terajoule (TJ) of energy. In 21 11, it is estimated that average South Australian dwellings could have their total annual energy needs met by 1 TJ. This is 8% higher than the number recorded in the baseline year of 23 4 (21.72). The Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement due to the increase in the EEI from the baseline year to 21 11, although it notes that the EEI has remained relatively stable in the last three years. Achievement of both the milestone (to increase the EEI by 1% to 23.9 dwellings by ) and the target (to increase the EEI by 15% to dwellings by 219 2) are considered to be unlikely. To achieve the 214 milestone requires average annual growth of.51%, while achievement of the 22 target requires average annual growth of.66%. From 23 4 to the average annual growth rate in the EEI was 1.16%. However, the figures from the last few years have been relatively stable. Given the lack of recent progress, the Audit Committee considers the level of improvement required to achieve the target to be unlikely. 16 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

109 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Energy efficiency government buildings: Improve the energy efficiency of government buildings by 3% by 22 (milestone of 25% by 214). T61 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Percentage increase in energy efficiency in South Australian Government buildings (2 1 baseline) Per cent South Australia Milestone 25. Target 3. Baseline Data source: Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy South Australian Government Annual Energy Efficiency Report. In 21 11, the energy efficiency of South Australian Government buildings had improved by 17.3% compared to the 2 1 baseline. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive movement. In the last 1 years (2 1 to 21 11) the average annual growth rate was 1.61%, although the level of growth recorded in the last year has been more modest. In the upcoming years, an average annual growth rate of 2.14% is required to meet the milestone and 1.15% is required to meet the target. Given these figures, the target (3% improvement by 22) is considered to be within reach, while achievement of the milestone will be a significant challenge. The Audit Committee also notes that the Health portfolio is the largest building energy consumer in the South Australian Government. As such, achievement of the milestone and target will be influenced by the completion of major projects, such as the new Royal Adelaide Hospital and major redevelopments occurring at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glenside, Flinders Medical Centre, the Women s and Children s Hospital and Modbury Hospital in the next few years. In addition, a number of redevelopment projects are scheduled in regional South Australia at Berri, Port Lincoln and Whyalla hospitals. The four currently funded GP Plus facilities and four new Intermediate Care Centre projects are also expected to improve SA Health s energy efficiency. The education sector is also a substantial contributor to the Government s total energy consumption. A number of projects in this sector are also expected to contribute to improved energy efficiency, including the funding for 58 schools through the National Solar School Program and the $125 million Sustainable Industries Education Centre at Tonsley Park, expected to be operational in 214. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

110 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T61 continued For the purpose of this target, a Government building is defined as a building in which public sector employees work, or where government administered services and activities are either partly or completely carried out (in the general Government sector). This does not include infrastructure such as water pumps or air monitoring stations. Energy efficiency measurements are expressed as the amount of energy in Giga-Joules (GJ) per business measure (such as, square metre of occupied space). There are challenges associated with measuring aggregate energy efficiency across a wide range of government organisations with varying types of use. The calculation of energy efficiency is generally based on the building floor area occupied by each government agency (accounting for 94.5% of government energy use). The other 5.5% of government energy use is consumed by agencies that use other business measures, such as the number of buildings; or the number of staff occupying buildings. These measures may be chosen for operational reasons, or because the link between energy use and floor area is considered tenuous (for example, in the case of machinery sheds). Energy efficiency data is not available prior to 26 7 as, although energy consumption data is available for this period, business measure data (building floor area or other business measures) was not routinely collected. Business measure data has been estimated for the 2 1 baseline year, in order to calculate energy efficiency for that year and track progress over time. An Independent Verification exercise is undertaken annually by a third party to provide assurance concerning the accuracy and robustness of the performance being reported by the Government. 18 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

111 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Climate change adaptation: Develop regional climate change adaptation plans in all State Government regions by 216. T62 Positive movement On track Key measure Status of regional climate change adaptation planning (211 baseline) Adaptation Plan > Completed IVA Completed > IVA Commenced > Regional Coordination > Commenced Far North Eyre and Western Yorke and Mid North Barossa Northern Adelaide Eastern Adelaide Western Adelaide Southern Adelaide Adelaide Hills Fleurieu and KI Murray and Mallee Limestone Coast Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. The impacts of climate change on the economy, society and environment will vary across South Australia, and local responses will need to take account of this variability. This target requires climate change adaptation plans to be developed for each of the 12 South Australian Government regions by 216. The development of locally relevant adaptation responses will take into account the knowledge of local communities and the differing circumstances and impacts within each region. The plan to develop locally relevant adaptation responses had its genesis with the development of the South Australian Climate Change Adaptation Framework. A number of regions recognised the benefits of the approach and have commenced the processes outlined in the Framework. The first milestone was the formation of the Eyre Peninsula Sector Agreement in 29. Yorke and Mid North was the first region to commence this planning process in 21 and was the pilot site for the development of the planning methodology. A number of tasks need to be undertaken to complete climate change adaptation plans. The first task is to establish arrangements to coordinate activity across the region. The next stage is to undertake an integrated vulnerability assessment (IVA). These assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of the risks, issues and opportunities that need to be considered in a climate change adaptation plan. The last step is to develop an adaptation plan for the region in consultation with regional leaders, government and affected community members. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

112 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T62 continued The 12 State Government regions are currently at different stages in their climate change adaptation planning. Four regions are yet to commence this process (Far North, Northern Adelaide, Eastern Adelaide and Limestone Coast), although preliminary discussions have occurred in each of these regions. Two regions (Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island) have completed the first stage in the process (establishing coordination arrangements). Four regions have started undertaking IVAs (Eyre and Western, Western Adelaide, Southern Adelaide and Murray and Mallee) and two regions have completed this phase (Yorke and Mid North and Barossa). The Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement on the basis of the activities that have been undertaken to date in a number of regions. On average each region will take around two years to undertake a comprehensive IVA and a further year to complete an adaptation plan. To achieve the 216 target, all regions would have to formally commence the process by the end of 213. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track given the progress already made and recognising that there are a number of years remaining to achieve the target by 216. This target should also be achievable given the level of community interest already demonstrated for the process. 11 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

113 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Use of public transport: Increase the use of public transport to 1% of metropolitan weekday passenger vehicle kilometres travelled by 218. T63 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Use of public transport as a percentage of metropolitan weekday passenger vehicle kilometres (22 3 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 1. Baseline Data source: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use. In 22 3 (the baseline year), public transport accounted for 6.5% of weekday vehicle (car, bus, train or tram) kilometres travelled. This figure increased to 7.6% in 24 5, and then remained relatively stable, ranging between 7.2% in 25 6 and 7.5% in Notwithstanding the trend observed in recent years, the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement given the gains made since the baseline year. The Committee notes that there is a significant amount of activity in this area focused on improving public transport and the road networks which will impact on the achievement of this target. Progress on this target is affected not only by the coverage and use of public transport, but also by the extent of development of the urban fringe, and the number of kilometres travelled by people who drive to work as opposed to taking public transport. The Audit Committee considers that increasing Adelaide s density and the proportion of new housing that can be accommodated within established areas in metropolitan Adelaide (refer Target 68) will have a positive impact on this target. The Audit Committee has cautiously assessed the achievability of the target to increase the use of public transport to 1% of metropolitan weekday passenger vehicle kilometres travelled by 218 to be within reach. From 22 3 to 29 1 the average annual growth rate was 2.7%. A higher growth rate of 3.66% is required to achieve the target by The Audit Committee notes that the ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use was originally conducted annually and covered the twelve months to 31 October, with the latest survey undertaken for the 12 months ended 31 October 21. In future, the survey will be conducted every two years and will align with the financial year, with the next survey to cover the financial year. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

114 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T64 Renewable energy: Support the development of renewable energy so that it comprises 33% of the state s electricity production by 22 (milestone of 2% by 214). Positive movement On track Key measure South Australia s proportion of renewable electricity generation based on energy production in the state (24 5 baseline) Per cent South Australia Milestone 2. Target 33. Baseline Data source: Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy. There has been significant growth in renewable energy production in South Australia since the 24 5 baseline year. In 21 11, the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources was 22%. This is considerably higher than the 4.1% recorded in 24 5 and consequently the Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as positive movement. The figure is higher than the milestone of 2% renewable energy production by 214. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of the 214 milestone and the 22 target to be on track. 112 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

115 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment GreenPower: Purchase renewable energy for 5% of the Government s own electricity needs by 214. T65 Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Renewable energy purchased for the South Australian Government s own use as a proportion of total electricity purchased (21 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 5. Baseline 45 Data source: Contract Services, South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance. GreenPower is a voluntary government accredited program for additional renewable energy generation across Australia beyond mandatory renewable requirements. It is a joint initiative of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australian, Queensland and Victorian governments. This target represents the voluntary contribution for GreenPower as a proportion of the Government s total electricity purchased. The Government s current electricity contracts include requirements for 2% accredited GreenPower. Target 65 specifies that this level be increased to 5% by 214. Renewable energy purchases are currently 2% of the Government s own electricity use. This level has been maintained from the 29 1 baseline year until the most recent year (211 12) leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as steady or no movement. In assessing achievability, the Audit Committee has departed from its usual method due to the nature of this target, which is essentially within the Government s direct sphere of influence. Recent data on renewable energy purchased does not provide any insight into the achievability of this target. The Audit Committee has rated achievability as within reach on the basis of additional information provided by the lead agency. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

116 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T65 continued The Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE) has advised that the achievement of this target will occur through the Government incorporating the higher GreenPower requirement (at least 5%) into future electricity contracts when they are renegotiated. This has already been done for the Government s large site electricity contract (for sites consuming more than 16MWh of electricity per annum). From 1 July 214, the Government will include a requirement for Accredited GreenPower of at least 5% under the large sites contract. This contract comprises, by value, 84% of the Government s total electricity needs. DMITRE has also indicated that the Government s electricity contract for Small Market Sites (sites using less than 16MWh of electricity per annum) and Unmetered Lighting Assets, expires on 31 December 213. In negotiating the contract to apply from 1 January 214 onward, the Government will include a requirement for Accredited GreenPower of at least 5%. 114 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

117 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Emissions intensity: Limit the carbon intensity of total South Australian electricity generation to.5 tonnes of CO2/MWh by 22. T66 New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure Carbon emissions intensity of South Australian electricity generation (21 baseline) Emissions intensity (TCO2-e/MWh) South Australia Target.5 Baseline.68 Data source: South Australian Supply and Demand Outlook, Australian Energy Market Operator, National Greenhouse Gas Inventory data, the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. This target measures the total amount of carbon dioxide equivalents emitted per unit of electricity at power stations sent out from the generator. Given that this is a new target and the latest available data is for 21 (the baseline year) the Audit Committee is unable to assess progress and the likelihood of achieving the emissions intensity target. The key measure for this target includes Scope 1 emissions, which are the direct greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generators (such as from burning coal). Scope 2 and 3 emissions are not considered. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of purchased electricity. Scope 3 emissions are other indirect greenhouse gas emissions not covered under Scope 2, from sources not owned or directly controlled by the generator but related to the generator s activities. Upstream emissions (Scope 3) include those released in the process of mining, and abstraction of fuels including fugitive emissions, processing of fuels and delivering fuel to a generator. South Australia s Strategic Plan lists the baseline year for Target 66 as 211. This baseline was subsequently moved to 21. The decision to use 21 was considered appropriate as it immediately pre-dated the launch of the 211 SASP and reflects the availability of data to report on the baseline year. Given the target wording focuses on achieving a specific figure by 22, the selection of the baseline year has little impact on the assessment of progress and achievability. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

118 Our Environment Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. T66 continued The Audit Committee recommends that as part of the next SASP update process consideration is given to including both Scope 1 and 3 emissions in the target and key measure to provide a more complete picture of emissions. This would ensure greater alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol established by the World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development and could incorporate Scope 3 emissions rates defined in Australia s National Greenhouse Accounts Factors publication or develop alternative state based methods. However, the Committee recognises that further work would need to occur to develop state based methods that include a reliable data source. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to broadening the target as part of the next SASP update process to take into consideration both Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions. 116 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

119 Vision: South Australians think globally, act locally and are international leaders in addressing climate change. Our Environment Zero Waste: Reduce waste to landfill by 35% by 22 (milestone of 25% by 214). T67 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Waste to landfill for South Australia (22 3 baseline) 1,6 1,4 1,2 Thousands of tonnes 1, South Australia 1,277 1,329 1,252 1,278 1,175 1,157 1,141 1,129 1,72 1,35 1,84 Milestone 939 Target 814 Baseline 1, Data source: Environment Protection Authority. In 21 11, 1.84 megatonnes of waste went to landfill. Although this was higher than the figure recorded the previous financial year, it was lower than the 22 3 baseline value. A progress rating of positive movement has been assigned to this target, given the progress made in comparison to the baseline year. From 24 5 to 29 1, there was a steady decline in the amount of waste to landfill. This downward trend did not continue in The increase in waste to landfill in is attributed to large volumes of contaminated soil disposed to landfill from infrastructure projects across metropolitan Adelaide. In the same year, South Australia reported substantial resource recovery of waste fill approximately 1.1 megatonnes recovered from the same infrastructure projects. From 22 3 to 21 11, the average annual growth rate was -1.78% (or -2.68% if it is assumed that the value is atypical and is excluded from this calculation). To achieve the milestone of a 25% reduction in waste to landfill by 214 requires an average annual growth rate of -4.67%, while a rate of -3.13% is required to achieve the target of a 35% reduction by 22. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of both the milestone and target to be within reach, although it recognises that these are ambitious goals. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

120 Our Environment Vision: We look after our natural environment. T68 Urban Development: By 236, 7% of all new housing in metropolitan Adelaide will be being built in established areas. New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure Dwelling completions in the established areas of metropolitan Adelaide as a share of total dwellings in the Greater Adelaide Region (21 baseline) Per cent Metropolitan Adelaide 57 Target 7 Baseline 5 Data source: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. Target 68 is a new target in the 211 SASP. It aligns with the 3-year Plan for Greater Adelaide. The established areas of metropolitan Adelaide, as defined for the purposes of measuring this target, are shown in the following map. This definition excludes fringe development areas to the north and south of Adelaide, and the townships of Gawler and Mount Barker. The key measure shows the share of net new dwelling construction in the established areas of metropolitan Adelaide relative to the dwellings built each year across the remainder of Greater Adelaide (which includes fringe, township and rural living locations). The target specifies that 7% of all new housing in metropolitan Adelaide will be built in established areas by 236. In 21 (the baseline year), 57% of dwellings were built in the established areas of metropolitan Adelaide. No data is available beyond the baseline year and therefore the Audit Committee has not been able to assess progress or achievability for this target. 118 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

121 Vision: We look after our natural environment. Our Environment T68 continued The established areas of Adelaide according to Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure analysis Established areas of Adelaide Greater Adelaide Metropolitan Adelaide Fringe Township or growth area Data source: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

122 Our Environment Vision: We look after our natural environment. T69 Lose no species: Lose no native species as a result of human impacts. Steady or no movement Unlikely To measure progress towards this target, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has developed a set of 2 indicator species, representing a wide range of threatened species from a variety of South Australian habitats. The 2 indicators include five species of threatened flora (plants) and 15 threatened fauna (animals). An assessment has been made of trends in the condition of each species, taking into account factors such as population size, distribution, the amount of native habitat and food sources, and predator numbers (detailed assessments can be found on the SASP website). Both annual trend and trend since the 24 baseline assessments have been completed for each species, shown using the following symbols: Positive movement Steady or no movement Negative movement Species common name Annual trend (211) Trend since baseline (24) Small flowered Daisy-bush (plant) Hindmarsh Valley Greenhood (plant) White Beauty Spider-orchid (plant) Monarto Mintbush (plant) Pink-lipped Spider-orchid (plant) Southern Brown Bandicoot (mammal) Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby (mammal) SA Mainland Tammar Wallaby (mammal) Southern Right Whale (mammal) Australian Sea-lion (mammal) Southern Bent-wing Bat (mammal) Malleefowl (bird) Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren (bird) SE Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (bird) SA Glossy Black Cockatoo (bird) Black-eared Miner (bird) Yarra Pygmy Perch (fish) Murray Hardyhead (fish) Giant Cuttlefish (mollusc) Pygmy Bluetongue (reptile) 12 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

123 Vision: We look after our natural environment. Our Environment T69 continued The Audit Committee considers that this is a particularly difficult target to assess, given the complexity of biodiversity measurement, the explicit and definite wording of this target and (in contrast to most targets) the absence of a specific timeframe for achievement. It is also difficult to assess overall condition of the State s biodiversity on the basis of 2 individual species these provide a snapshot of what is happening with a small number of species but broader trends and practices (such as the information provided through the supplementary measure) need to be considered to support this snapshot. The Committee deliberated at length on a number of alternatives before agreeing on its assessment. The Committee has taken a strict interpretation of the wording of the target to mean that the loss (that is, extinction) of any one species at any time in the future would mean that the target is not achieved. This differs from the interpretation that the Committee has used for previous Progress Reports, where the timeframe of achievement has been considered as being within the lifetime of the plan. The Audit Committee has assigned a progress rating of steady or no movement on the basis that no native species have been lost since the baseline year. Of the 2 indicator species, longer-term trends indicate that six had positive movement between the 24 baseline and December 211, eight were assessed as steady or no movement and six recorded negative movement. The annual trends indicate that nine species had positive movement, eight were steady or no movement and three had negative movement over 211. The two assessments highlight the natural fluctuations in abundance and distribution of species that occur with climatic variations multiple years of drought conditions have negatively impacted a number of species since the baseline year and more favourable seasonal conditions appear to be driving some recoveries over the last annual assessment. Other driving factors include on-ground action by community members to help the recovery of species such as the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Small-flowered Daisybush and Yarra Pygmy Perch. In assessing achievability the Committee has noted that in recent years there have been significant declines in some species. While declines in species such as the Murray Hardyhead appear to be driven by drought, the factors behind other declines, such as the Malleefowl and Giant Cuttlefish, are less clear. The broader factors influencing the condition of these and other native species, such as the impacts of historical clearance (that is, loss of habitat) and the need to build resilience in preparation for climate change, are captured in the supplementary reporting for this target. Based on these assessments, the Committee considers that achievement of the target (as interpreted as avoiding the loss of any species at any point into the future) should be rated as unlikely. However, the Committee also notes the difficulty of evaluating a target with an unspecified timeframe and consideration should be given to addressing this in the future by re-wording the target. In addition, the snapshot report on threatened species conservation provided by the indicator species could be further strengthened by the use of the new supplementary measure for this target. Supplementary measure While most SASP targets do not have specified supplementary measures, SASP 211 lists a supplementary measure for this target, which is trends in the extent and protection of ecosystems. This provides data on the current extent of remnant native vegetation and the extent of protected areas across the State; measures that support the presence of native species and can help infer condition or trends for the many species that cannot be monitored and reported against individually. Native vegetation is a vital component of our natural environment as it provides habitat for native animals and plants. Increasing the area of South Australia that is covered by protected area agreements (on private or public land) is a priority to ensure that biodiversity is protected into the future and to increase the ability of native species to adapt to a changing climate. Further information on this supplementary measure is available from the SASP website. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to re-wording this target as part of the next SASP update process, including the addition of a specific timeframe, so as to enable trend data to be used more effectively to measure achievability. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

124 Our Environment Vision: We look after our natural environment. T7 Sustainable land management: By 22, achieve a 25% increase in the protection of agricultural cropping land from soil erosion and a 25% improvement in the condition of pastoral land. Protection of agricultural land from soil erosion Positive movement On track Improvement in the condition of pastoral land Positive movement Within reach Key measure 1 Average annual period of protection of agricultural cropping land from soil erosion, days per year (22 3 baseline) 35 Average number of days of protection South Australia Target 34 Baseline Data source: Erosion protection field surveys, Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (unpublished). The measure for this target is expressed as the average number of days of adequate protection of agricultural cropping land from soil erosion for each hectare of cropland across the state. The total area of agricultural cropping land in South Australia is approximately 8.14 million hectares. Of this, approximately 5.2 million hectares (64%) are susceptible to wind erosion and 2.4 million hectares (3%) are susceptible to water erosion. In 22 3 (the baseline year), each hectare of agricultural cropping land was protected from erosion for an average of 272 days. By 21 11, this had increased to an average of 328 days. This is a 2.6% improvement and as a result the Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement. The target is to achieve an average of 34 days of protection from soil erosion by 22. To achieve this target an average annual growth rate of.4% is required. This is substantially less than the average annual growth rate recorded over the period 22 3 to The Audit Committee therefore considers the achievement of this target to be on track. Improvements in the protection of cropping land from erosion have occurred despite the drought conditions during 26, 27 and 28. The gains in protection from erosion have been achieved through the adoption of best practice management by farmers, including no-tillage and direct drill farming methods, stubble retention and controlled grazing. 122 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

125 Vision: We look after our natural environment. Our Environment T7 continued Key measure 2 Percentage of pastoral leases that record an improvement in paddock condition since their last lease assessment (25 6 baseline) Per cent of leases South Australia Target 25 Baseline Data source: Pastoral lease assessments, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. In , 5% of pastoral leases recorded an improvement in paddock condition since their last lease assessment. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive improvement. The target is to achieve a 25% improvement in the condition of pastoral land by 22. This would equate to an improvement in 56 of the State s 223 pastoral leases. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be within reach. This assessment is largely based on the positive results. There was a decline in the percentage of leases recording an improvement in paddock condition in 28 9 and 29 1, attributed to a delay in the adaptation of management practices to match drought conditions. The key measure used for this target differs to that listed in the 211 SASP. This change has occurred because the Audit Committee considered that paddock condition provided a better measure of the condition and management of pastoral leases than perennial plant density (the measure listed in SASP), on the basis that it is less susceptible to climatic conditions and therefore more closely responds to changes in land management practices. There are 223 pastoral leases in South Australia. Monitoring of the pastoral leases involves comprehensive assessment processes (conducted approximately once every 14 years) and less intensive, but more frequent inspections (conducted about once every 5 7 years). The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources undertakes the monitoring and prepares written reports on the condition of the leases for consideration by the Pastoral Board. Combined, the assessment and inspection programs collect information on a range of land condition and management factors including; the density of both palatable and non-palatable perennial plant species; soil condition and stability; long-term photopoints; pest plants and animals (such as rabbits and goats); native grazing animals; impacts of historical land degradation; stock density; number of stock per water; infrastructure improvements (such as fencing and new waterpoints); and annual rainfall. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

126 Our Environment Vision: We look after our natural environment. T71 Marine biodiversity: Maintain the health and diversity of South Australia s unique marine environments. Positive movement Unclear (no data) Key measure Effectiveness of Management Activity Due Date Comment Progress Establish outer boundaries of 19 marine parks. Community engagement program seeking local community advice on the location of sanctuary zones. Prepare draft management plans for 19 marine parks. Finalise management plans for 19 marine parks. 21 In 29, the Government established the outer boundaries of 19 marine parks, achieving the previous SASP target marine park local advisory groups provided advice to Government in May Draft marine park management plans released for public review in August The Government expects to finalise marine park management plans in Complete Complete Complete Delayed SASP specifies the following two measures for Target 71: effectiveness of management of South Australia s marine park network (211 baseline); and results from the marine parks network monitoring, evaluation and reporting program. Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Progress on the first measure is detailed in the above table. The monitoring program will not be finalised until the location of the sanctuary zones in the marine parks are determined and consequently it is not possible to include data on this measure in this Progress Report. In 29, the Government established the outer boundaries of a network of 19 marine parks covering 44% of state waters. Sanctuary zones will be the core conservation areas within marine parks, similar to national parks on the land. In 211, the Government announced an additional round of discussions with key interest groups to consider the location of sanctuary zones. The Government released draft management plans for public review in August 212. The Audit Committee has assigned a progress rating of positive movement given the work undertaken to date to manage South Australia s marine park network. The target has been assigned an achievability rating of unclear due to the lack of quantitative data. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee When the marine parks network monitoring program is established it is recommended that this be used as the key data source for this target. In the interim, consideration should be given to supplementary data sources that provide information on the health of South Australia s marine environments. 124 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

127 Vision: We look after our natural environment. Our Environment Nature conservation: Increase participation in nature conservation activities by 25% by 215. T72 New target baseline established New target baseline established Key measure The number of volunteer days spent on nature conservation and land management projects on parks each year (21 11 baseline) 3, ) 25, Number of volunteer days 2, 15, 1, 5, South Australia 22,11 Target 27,5 Baseline 2211 Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Volunteer Project Forms. Target 72 is a new target in the 211 SASP. The key measure listed for this target is trends in participation in selected activities that support nature conservation, including volunteer and landholder efforts. SASP specifies the data source as a variety of Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) and regional Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board data including volunteer data, landholders engaging in heritage agreements and land managers conducting nature conservation works on their properties. As SASP does not specify one key measure, the Audit Committee considered a number of possible indicators that could be used to measure progress. The Committee determined that the number of volunteer days spent on nature conservation and land management projects on parks each year was the most appropriate indicator to use as the key measure. However, the Committee recognises that focusing solely on volunteering hours spent in parks provides a relatively narrow interpretation of participation in nature conservation and that the other indicators provide useful supplementary information (refer to the SASP website for this data). In 21 11, 22,11 volunteer days were spent on nature conservation and land management projects in parks. This figure includes only on-park volunteering. The Audit Committee notes that it would be preferable for the indicator to collate data from both on- and off-park areas. Although this is currently not possible, DEWNR is investigating the potential to revise this indicator to reflect volunteer days spent on environment and natural resource management activities across the landscape. The Audit Committee supports this endeavour, as this would provide a more comprehensive primary indicator to evaluate progress for this target. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

128 Our Environment Vision: We look after our natural environment. T72 continued As there is only data available for the baseline year, the Audit Committee has not assessed progress or achievability for this target. However, the Committee notes that the Government has commenced a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging people to volunteer on parks, such as the development of DEWNR State-wide and Regional Volunteer Strategies, revitalisation of the Parks campground host and Friends of Parks schemes. Volunteer days are calculated based on a 7.5 hour day in accordance with Volunteering Australia standards. The data is collated from the DEWNR Volunteer Project Forms which record the volunteer contributions in hours. The method of calculating volunteer participation in hours makes the value consistent and standardises the method with that used by other volunteer administrators. Calculating volunteer participation in hours also helps to tell the true story of volunteer work through the number of service hours they contribute. This information can also be converted into data to calculate the market value of volunteer activities, reporting purposes, insurance claims and recognition of service events. 126 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

129 Vision: We value and protect our water resources. Our Environment Recycled stormwater: South Australia has the system capacity to harvest up to 35 GL of stormwater per annum by 225. T73 Positive movement On track Key measure Stormwater harvesting capacity (29 baseline) 35 Stormwater harvesting capacity, GL/year South Australia Target 35. Baseline. Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and SA Water. Note: Data is at May 212. In 29 (the baseline year), South Australia s recycled stormwater harvesting capacity was 5.8 gigalitres (GL) per year. This had improved to 12.4 GL by May 212, an increase of 6.6 GL. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress on this target as positive movement. The target is to have the capacity to harvest up to 35 GL of stormwater by 225. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track, given the progress made to date. From 29 to 212 the average annual growth rate was 28.82%, while an average annual growth rate of 8.31% is required to achieve the 225 target. The Audit Committee understands that the current stormwater harvesting capacity will be significantly augmented as the stormwater systems currently under construction in , including eight projects under the Adelaide Stormwater Program, and the Unley Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse project, begin capturing stormwater from onwards. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

130 Our Environment Vision: We value and protect our water resources. T74 Recycled wastewater: South Australia has the system capacity to recycle up to 5 GL of wastewater per annum by 225. Positive movement On track Key measure Wastewater recycling capacity (29 baseline) 8 Wastewater recycling capacity, GL/year South Australia Target 5. Baseline 5 Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and SA Water. In 29 (the baseline year), recycled wastewater capacity was 58.3 gigalitres (GL). By 212, capacity had increased to 76.5 GL, leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as positive movement. The target is to have the system capacity to recycle up to 5 GL of wastewater per annum by 225. The Audit Committee considers South Australia to be on track to achieve this target. Although the levels recorded in recent years exceed the 5 GL target, it will be necessary to maintain this level through to 225 in order to fully achieve this target. This target measures the capacity to recycle wastewater, which does not reflect the amount of wastewater that is being recycled on an annual basis. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is modified as part of the next SASP update process, given that the 5 GL level was exceeded in the baseline year, well ahead of the 225 target year. This could involve adopting a more ambitious wastewater recycling capacity target or shifting the focus from capacity to reuse. 128 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

131 Vision: We value and protect our water resources. Our Environment Sustainable water use: South Australia s water resources are managed within sustainable limits by 218. T75 Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Water resource management areas in South Australia (23 baseline) Number of areas Managed within sustainable limits Partially within sustainable limits Not currently managed within sustainable limits Target 67 Baseline 55. Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. This target measures the extent to which South Australia s water resources are managed within sustainable limits. There are 67 water management areas in South Australia, as illustrated in the following map. These are self-contained areas predominantly defined by natural catchments and groundwater resource areas, while also taking into account existing administrative boundaries. Each has been assessed as to whether it is fully, partially, or not currently managed within sustainable limits based on an assessment of water use, allocation and other water management issues (primarily the provisions for environmental water and water quality issues, including salinity) and the current management arrangements for that resource. Allocations from prescribed resources are reviewed regularly, taking into account the condition of the water resources, existing user demand and the environmental water requirements of known ecosystems. The proportion of South Australian water resource management areas assessed as being managed within sustainable limits remained stable from 23 to 212 (36 resources (53.7%) in 23 (the baseline year) compared to 35 resources (52.2%) in 212). Over this same time period, the number of areas listed as not managed within sustainable limits has also been basically steady (eight in 23, seven in 212). The Audit Committee has assessed progress as steady or no movement, as while there has been movement in the categorisation of some water management areas over the period from 23 to 212, the status of the majority of areas remains unchanged. The target is for all 67 areas to be managed within sustainable limits by 218. This is an ambitious target, and based on the available data, the Audit Committee considers it unlikely to be achieved. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

132 Our Environment Vision: We value and protect our water resources. T75 continued Water management areas National Water Initiative. Diamantina River 1. Georgina River 2. Hay River 3. Mackay 4. Cooper Creek 5. Musgrave 6. Warburton 7. Eyre and Frome 8. South West Eromanga 9. Mallee PWA 1. Tintinara-Coonalpyn PWA 11. Tatiara 12. Padthaway PWA 13. Lower Limestone Coast PWA 14. Peake Roby Sherlock PWA 15. Baroota NOI 16. Spencer Gulf 17. Eucla 18. Mambray Coast 19. Northern Flinders 2. Lake Torrens 21. Willochra Creek 22. Eromanga Unincorporated A 23. Eromanga Unincorporated B 24. Clare Valley PWRA 25. Barossa PWRA 26. Kakoonie 27. Mypolonga Flat 28. Ferries-McDonald 29. Murrylands 3. Wakefield 31. Yorke Peninsula 32. Coorong 33. Southern Basins PWA 34. Marne Saunders 35. Northern Adelaide Plains PWA 36. Northern EMLR 37. Angas-Bremer PWA 38. Morambro Creek PSWA 39. Musgrave PWA 4. Broughton River 41. Noora 42. Gawler Craton 43. Finke River 44. Angas-Bremer 45. Light 46. Little Para 47. Southern EMLR 48. Myponga 49. Fleurieu Peninsula 5. Yatla 51. Upper Torrens 52. Parra Wirra 53. Patawalonga 54. Lower Torrens 55. McLaren Vale PWA 56. Onkaparinga 57. Noarlunga 58. River Murray PWA 59. Mallee 6. Burra Creek 61. Rocky River 62. Middle River 63. Cygnet River 64. Kangaroo Island 65. Gawler 66. Far North Wells PWA 13 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

133 Vision: We value and protect our water resources. Our Environment River Murray flows: Increase environmental flows in the River Murray by a minimum of 15 GL by 218. T76 Positive movement On track Key measure Progress against water recovery targets (Gigalitres to May 212) 218 Target (Gigalitres) The Living Murray Initiative (SA Government) Water for the Future (Australian Government) , 44 Total 1, ,5 Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Target 76 is to increase environmental flows in the River Murray by at least 1,5 gigalitres (GL) by 218. This sum is comprised of a recovery target of 5 GL as part of the Living Murray Initiative and an additional 1, GL being recovered through the Australian Government s Water for the Future initiative as part of their commitment to Restoring the Balance in the Murray-Darling Basin program that commenced in 28. Initially, as part of the Living Murray Initiative, each of the Murray Darling Basin states was allocated a target to contribute to increasing environmental flows by 5 GL by 29. To date, a total of GL has been recovered through this program. More recently, the development of the Basin Plan has overtaken the Living Murray Initiative. 764 GL of the targeted 1, GL under the Water for the Future program has now been recovered through the Australian Government. The above table considers cumulative progress between the 23 baseline year and May 212. The Audit Committee has been advised that the data provided for both The Living Murray Initiative and the Water for the Future program is expressed in Long Term Cap Equivalent and Long Term Average Yield. These measures convert the water recovered to a long term average volume recognising that different water entitlements (that is, general security water, high security water, etc) have different levels of reliability (that is, not all entitlements receive 1% allocation each year and some receive much less). The Audit Committee has rated progress as positive movement given that a total of 1,244 GL has been recovered to date. The Committee has rated achievability as on track, as there are a number of years remaining to recover a further 256 GL to achieve the 1,5 GL target by 218. However, the Audit Committee has made these assessments with some caution, given current debate on the health of the River Murray. The Audit Committee notes that a commitment was included in the 211 SASP to update this target following the finalisation by the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, to ensure that the SASP target reflects the Water Recovery Target for the Murray included in that Plan. In May 212, the MDBA released a proposed plan. The Audit Committee notes that the proposed plan has been contentious and understands that the South Australian Government s position on the proposed plan is that it does not provide adequate environmental water provisions for a healthy river system. The Audit Committee also notes that on 6 August 212, the MDBA provided Ministers with an amended version of the proposed plan for consideration. 44. This figure could change depending on the final Basin Plan. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

134 Our Environment Vision: We value and protect our water resources. T77 River Murray salinity: South Australia maintains a positive balance on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority salinity register. Steady or no movement On track Key measure SA s salinity register balance (28 baseline) (based on MDBA 211 Salinity Registers data) Salinity Cost/Benefit $m/year $4.689 m/yr (211) Salinity Register balance given: Future Proposed Existing Remedial Actions No Action Indicative Register balance with Register balance at 3 June 21 Modelled projection of Register modelled projection of credits from (solid line) and modelled projections balance if none of the existing all future approved remedial actions (dashed line) of all remedial remedial actions had been taken. (no future irrigation development actions to date (no future irrigation or environmental watering has been development or environmental accounted for). watering has been accounted for). Data source: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Note: The apparent drop in balance in 21 is due to a change in calculation methodology that affected all state s Salinity Register balances (refer footnote for further information). Under Schedule B of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement (Schedule 1, Water Act 27 (Cth)), all jurisdictions of the Murray-Darling Basin (including South Australia) are accountable for actions that will change salinity in the River Murray. The actions are recorded as debits or credits on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Basin Salinity Management Strategy (BSMS) Salinity Registers. Actions such as irrigation development increase the salinity impacts and result in a debit on the Salinity Registers, whereas actions such as salt interception, improved irrigation efficiency and rehabilitation of drainage schemes decrease the salinity impacts and result in credits on the Salinity Registers. As at November 211 (the most recent available data), South Australia maintains a positive credit balance of $4.689 million per year on the Salinity Registers. The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as steady or no movement. While there appears to have been a reduction in the credit balance over the period 28 to 211, the Committee understands that this is due to a change in the calculation methodology. 45 South Australia continues to maintain a positive balance on the Salinity Registers and consequently the Audit Committee has rated achievement of this target to be on track. 45. In 21, the methodology for calculating the Salinity Registers was changed from a 3 year average to an interpolation to the current year using the key dates of 2 and 215. This change in methodology caused a number of entries on the Salinity Registers to change. All jurisdictions have agreed to these changes. 132 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

135 Vision: We value and protect our water resources. Our Environment T77 continued The Y-axis on the above graph is Salinity cost/benefit in $m/year, which is an MDBA approved formula used to calculate the conversion of the salinity impact in tonnes per day to a salinity cost/benefit in dollars per year for the entries on the Salinity Registers. The above graph incorporates scenarios for what the Salinity Register s balance would have been had no remedial actions been taken to date; what the Salinity Register s balance currently is given the remedial actions taken and the expected future position with the anticipated salinity credits from future remedial actions either currently under investigation or implementation. The graph does not predict the impacts of any future irrigation development or environmental watering. It is important to note that any future irrigation development, depending on location and rate of development, and environmental watering actions will erode available credits more quickly. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

136 Our Health Overview The Our Health priority area focuses on the vision that we are active in looking after our health. This includes by making healthy choices in how we live, by educating young people about healthy living, by being physically active and assisting people to deal with all forms of illness and to live a satisfying life where they can contribute to their community. The proportion of South Australians who drink alcohol at risky levels has decreased such that we are on track to achieve the targeted reduction by 22 (T81). The proportion of emergency department patients attended to, and discharged or admitted, within four hours has improved, but it is unlikely that the target level of 9% in will be reached (T84). The smoking rate has been relatively steady and the targeted reduction to 1% of the population by 218 appears unlikely to be achieved at this stage (T8). The proportion of South Australian adults and children who are a healthy weight has remained relatively stable such that achievement of the targeted increases of five percentage points by 217 is considered unlikely (T82). The proportion of South Australians with a chronic disease whose self-assessed health status is good or better has moved little, such that the targeted increase of five percentage points is also considered unlikely to be achieved (T85). Five targets in this area are unable to be rated because they are modified targets and only baseline data is available or are unclear due to the absence of any new data. Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 78. Healthy South Australians Unclear (no new data) Unclear 79. Aboriginal healthy life expectancy Unclear (no new data) Unclear 8. Smoking (Total population) Smoking (Aboriginal population) Steady or no movement Modified target baseline established Unlikely Modified target 81. Alcohol consumption Positive movement On track 82. Healthy weight (Adults) Healthy weight (Children) Steady or no movement Steady or no movement Unlikely Unlikely 83. Sport and recreation Unclear (no data) Unclear 84. Health service standard Positive movement Unlikely 85. Chronic disease Steady or no movement Unlikely 86. Psychological wellbeing Unclear (no new data) Unclear 134 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

137 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health Healthy South Australians: Increase the healthy life expectancy of South Australians to 73.4 years (6%) for males and 77.9 years (5%) for females by 22. T78 Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) for South Australians ( baseline) Years Males Females Baseline 8 Data source: SA Health, South Australian Burden of Disease Study. Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) summarises the expected number of years to be lived in the equivalent of full health. This approach quantifies life expectancy within a population with adjustment for years lived in less than full health. The target specifies an increase in the healthy life expectancy of males to 73.4 years and of females to 77.9 years by 22. The Audit Committee has rated progress and achievability of this target as unclear given the lack of recent data. The healthy life expectancy for males in 26 8 was 7.5 years, while the equivalent figure for females was 75.4 years. The Audit Committee understands that it will be possible to obtain updated HALE data by 213. Therefore, the Committee has not recommended the exploration of alternative data sources at this stage, although this step may be necessary if this data is not regularly available in the future. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

138 Our Health Vision: We are active in looking after our health. T79 Aboriginal healthy life expectancy: Increase the average healthy life expectancy of Aboriginal males to 67.5 years (22%) and Aboriginal females to 72.3 years (19%) by 22. Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) for Aboriginal South Australians ( baseline) Years Male Female Baseline Data source: SA Health, South Australian Burden of Disease Study. Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) summarises the expected number of years to be lived in the equivalent of full health. This approach quantifies life expectancy within a population with adjustment for years lived in less than full health. The target specifies an increase in the healthy life expectancy of Aboriginal males to 67.5 years and of Aboriginal females to 72.3 years by 22. The Audit Committee has rated progress and achievability of this target as unclear given the lack of recent data. The healthy life expectancy for Aboriginal males in 24 8 was 56.8 years, while the equivalent figure for females was 62. years. The Audit Committee understands that it will be possible to obtain updated HALE data by 213. Therefore, the Committee has not recommended the exploration of alternative data sources at this stage, although this step may be necessary if this data is not regularly available in the future. 136 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

139 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health Smoking: Reduce the smoking rate to 1% of the population and halve the smoking rate of Aboriginal South Australians by 218. T8 Total population Steady or no movement Unlikely Aboriginal population Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Daily smoking prevalence for South Australians across the population (15+), 3-year moving averages (27 9 baseline) Per cent All persons Indigenous persons Baseline Data source: SA Health, Data source: SA Health, Health Omnibus Survey; Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation Program, The Cancer Council, South Australia; Data for Indigenous persons for 28 come from: ABS (unpublished) National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, 28 (as reported in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement Baseline performance report for the Council of Australian Governments initiative) Australian Burden of Disease Study. The three-year moving average daily smoking prevalence for all South Australians for was 16.7%, with a confidence interval of +/-.9, which means that it can be said with 95% confidence that the smoking rate is between 15.8% and 17.6%. This compares to a daily smoking prevalence rate of 17.4% (confidence interval 16.5% 18.4%) in the 27 9 baseline period. The Audit Committee has given this target a progress rating of steady or no movement given the overlap in the confidence intervals between 27 9 and However, SA Health has advised that the latest yearly data indicate that there has been a statistically significant reduction in the daily smoking rate from 17.2% in 21 to 15.2% in 211 and the Audit Committee notes that, if similar results to 211 are recorded in future years, this would translate to a clear reduction in the three-year moving average. In accordance with the Audit Committee s usual approach to determining achievability, the target to reduce the daily smoking rate to 1% of the population by 218 is considered to be unlikely given a three yearly average growth rate of -2.% from 27 9 to (calculated using the percentages 17.4% and 16.7% respectively) and a required growth rate of -6.2% to South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

140 Our Community Health Vision: We are active in looking after our health. T8 continued Smoking data for Indigenous persons is only available for 28 (the baseline year). In that year, the smoking rate was 47%. Without more recent data the Audit Committee is not able to assess progress or achievability. South Australian smoking data is sourced from the Health Omnibus Survey and is three year moving averages. Data for Indigenous persons is sourced from the ABS (unpublished) National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey. Only data for the 28 baseline year is currently available. Data on Aboriginal smoking rates will next be available in 213 from the ABS Indigenous Health Survey. While young people are not the focus of this target, the Audit Committee notes that the additional information provided by SA Health shows a significant reduction in daily smoking rates for year olds (from 17.3% in 21 to 13.6% in 211). The Committee notes that this age group was the focus of the 27 SASP smoking target (T2.1) and that reducing smoking prevalence in young people (15 29 years) is also the primary target in the South Australian Tobacco Control Strategy South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

141 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health Alcohol consumption: Reduce the proportion of South Australians who drink at risky levels by 3% by 22. T81 Positive movement On track Key measure The percentage of South Australians aged 14+ years who drank at levels that put them at risk of harm on a single occasion at least once a month (27 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 21.4 Baseline 3.5 Data source: National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 27, 21; South Australian Health Omnibus Survey 211 (15+ years). The key measure for this target is sourced from national and South Australian surveys conducted in 27, 21 (National Drug Strategy Household Survey) and 211 (Health Omnibus Survey). Although these two surveys employ different data collection methodologies, both have large sample sizes and ask the same questions on alcohol consumption. Data is not available for 28 and 29. In 211, 26.9% of South Australians consumed alcohol at least once a month at levels that pose a short-term risk, such as risk of accident or injury (more than four standard drinks in a session). This was comparable with the 21 figure (27.3%), but lower than the level recorded in 27 (3.5%). A progress rating of positive movement has been given in light of the gains made since the 27 baseline year. The average annual growth rate from 27 to 211 was -3.9%. A growth rate of -2.51% is required to achieve the 22 target. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track. The assessment of results for the 21 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) is based on the National Health and Medical Research Council s Australian Alcohol Guidelines released in 29. These guidelines recognise that on a single occasion of drinking, the risk of alcohol-related injury increases with the amount consumed. The guidelines recommend that healthy men and women drink no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion. The 27 survey data was reanalysed using the specifications in the 29 alcohol guidelines to ensure data comparability. In 211, the percentage of respondents in South Australia who reported drinking at least once per month at risky levels was highest among those aged 2 29 years (45.4%). There was a clear gender difference in the consumption of alcohol at risky levels, with 37.1% of males in 211 consuming alcohol at least once a month at levels considered risky, compared with 17.1% of females. (Refer to SASP website for more detailed demographic data.) South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

142 Our Health Vision: We are active in looking after our health. T82 Healthy weight: Increase by five percentage points the proportion of South Australian adults and children at a healthy body weight by 217. Adults Steady or no movement Unlikely Children Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Prevalence of healthy weight for South Australian adults (18 years and over) and children (5 17 years) (29 baseline) Per cent Adults Adult Target 44.4 Children Children target 8.2 Baseline 39.4 Data source: SA Health, South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS). The percentage of adult South Australians who are a healthy weight remained relatively stable between 29 (the baseline year) and 211, allowing for the overlap in the confidence intervals. On the basis of this steady or no movement, the target of a five percentage points improvement by 217 is considered unlikely to be achieved. The average annual growth rate from 29 to 211 was -1.79%, while a rate of 2.63% is needed in the future to reach the 217 target. A much higher proportion of children than adults are a healthy weight. Further, the proportion of children at a healthy weight has remained relatively stable over recent years (75.2% in the 29 baseline year compared to 74.7% in 211), leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as steady or no movement. The Audit Committee considers achievement of the targeted five percentage points improvement by 217 to be unlikely, given that the average annual growth rate from 29 to 211 was -.33% and an average rate of 1.19% is required from now until South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

143 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health Sport and recreation: Increase the proportion of South Australians participating in sport or physical recreation at least once per week to 5% by 22. T83 Unclear (no data available) Unclear (no data available) Target 83 in the 211 SASP is a modification of T2.3 in the 27 SASP, amended to acknowledge the importance of regular participation in physical activity (at least once a week) rather than involvement on at least one occasion during a 12 month period. The 211 SASP lists the data source for this target as an ABS survey. While data collection will be completed by mid 212, the results will not be available until after the release of the 212 SASP Progress Report. Consequently, it is not possible to include any progress data in this report. Supplementary measures Given the lack of progress data on the key measure for the target, the Audit Committee has opted to include three supplementary measures sourced from the 212 SASP Household Survey. 46 As shown, in the 12 months prior to the survey, 39.7% of respondents reported participating in a sporting or physical recreation group, 58.6% attended a sporting event as a spectator, while 15.6% were involved in a sport or physical recreational activity as a coach, official, umpire or administrator. Participation in selected sport and recreation activities Per cent Participated in sporting or physical recreational group Attended a sporting event as a spectator Involved as a coach, official, umpire or administrator Data source: SASP Household Survey Further information about the SASP Household Survey is available in the introduction to this report. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

144 Our Health Vision: We are active in looking after our health. T84 Health service standard: By 213, 9% of patients presenting to a public hospital emergency department will be seen, treated, and either discharged or admitted to hospital within four hours. Positive movement Unlikely Key measure Proportion of emergency department presentations seen, treated and either discharged or admitted within 4 hours ( baseline) 1% 9% 8% 7% Per cent 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % South Australia 61.3% 58.6% 57.9% 59.4% 64.6% Target 9% Baseline 59% Data source: Health Information Portal, SA Health. In , 64.6% of emergency department presentations in South Australia were attended to, and discharged or admitted, within four hours. This is higher than the proportion recorded the previous financial year (59.4%), resulting in a progress rating of positive movement. The Audit Committee understands that the improvement in the results is partly due to the inclusion of data from seven large country hospitals from September 211. This inclusion of country hospital data aligns with reporting by other Australian jurisdictions. The SASP target is for 9% of patients to spend no more than four hours in emergency departments by 213. The achievement of this target by next financial year is considered to be unlikely. The Audit Committee understands that the Australian, state and territory Governments have, as part of the National Health Reform Agreement signed in August 211, similarly adopted a target for 9% of patients to be seen, treated or admitted within four hours of arriving at an emergency department. However, while SASP has a target year of 213, the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) has an end date of 215. NEAT also has yearly targets specified for each jurisdiction, which increase progressively between 211 and 215. The Audit Committee notes that the South Australian 212 calendar year target under that agreement requires 67% of patients to be seen, treated and admitted or discharged within four hours. The Audit Committee suggests that consideration be given to aligning the SASP target with the NEAT target included in the National Health Reform Agreement that has been reached by the Council of Australian Governments. 142 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

145 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health Chronic disease: Increase, by five percentage points, the proportion of people living with a chronic disease whose self-assessed health status is good or better. T85 Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure South Australians with a chronic disease reporting an excellent, very good or good health status (23 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 77.6 Baseline 72.6 Data source: SA Health, South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS). The percentage of South Australians with a chronic disease whose self-assessed health status is good or better has remained relatively stable over recent years. In 23 (the baseline year) the proportion was 72.6% compared with 71.8% in 211 (the most recent available data). Given the confidence intervals associated with this survey data, it is not possible to detect any significant movement over the nine year period and therefore the Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement. An average annual growth rate of 2.62% is required to achieve the target by 214. Given the stable results since 23 it is considered unlikely that the target will be achieved within three years. According to South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS) online data (211), 44.8% of South Australians report having at least one chronic condition. Chronic diseases are illnesses that are prolonged in duration, do not often resolve spontaneously, and are rarely cured completely. Chronic diseases are complex and varied in terms of their nature, how they are caused and the extent of their impact on the community. While some chronic diseases make large contributions to premature death, others contribute more to disability. Some may last indefinitely, whereas others may resolve over time. Features common to most chronic diseases include: complex causality, with multiple factors leading to their onset; a long development period, some of which may have no symptoms; a prolonged course of illness, perhaps leading to other health complications; and associated functional impairment or disability Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (26) Chronic diseases and associated risk factors in Australia 26, Canberra: AIHW, page 2. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

146 Our Health Vision: We are active in looking after our health. T86 Psychological wellbeing: Equal or lower the Australian average for psychological distress by 214 and maintain thereafter. Unclear (no new data) Unclear (no new data) Key measure Proportion of Australians and South Australians experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress (21 baseline) Per cent South Australia Australia Baseline 15. Data source: ABS Cat No National Health Survey. National and South Australian data on psychological distress is available from the ABS National Health Survey. The National Health Survey is conducted every three years, with the latest available data being for The next survey will be released in October 212. Given the lack of recent comparable Australian and South Australian data the Audit Committee has rated target progress and achievability as unclear. 144 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

147 Vision: We are active in looking after our health. Our Health T86 continued Supplementary measure Proportion of South Australians experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress Per cent a South Australia Data source: SA Health, South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS) Note: 22a data is for July to December 22. Black I-shaped error bars on these graphs represent 95% confidence intervals. South Australian data on psychological distress can be obtained from the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS). Different survey methods are used for the ABS National Health Survey and the SAMSS survey. The ABS survey uses face-to-face interviews while SAMSS is based on telephone surveys. This is the most likely reason for the difference between the South Australian figures over the time period. Both surveys use the Kessler Psychological Distress 1-Item Scale (K1), an internationally recognised measure. SAMSS data indicate that the proportion of South Australians experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress generally declined between 22 and 21. However, this trend did not continue in 211. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to reframing this target as part of the next SASP update process to focus on South Australia s position over time. This recommendation is based on the frequency of availability of data from the ABS National Health Survey (triennially), the margin of error in the South Australian data obtained from this survey and the recognition that an alternative source of South Australian data is available (the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System). South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

148 Our Education Overview The Our Education priority area includes the vision that South Australians are the best teachers and learners. For two of the targets in this area there has been positive movement and achievement of the target is considered to be on track or within reach: the proportion of young people completing the South Australian Certificate of Education or equivalent (T89) and the proportion of 15 to 64 year olds participating in tertiary education and training (T93). The proportion of South Australian students performing above the National Minimum Standard in reading, writing and numeracy has remained relatively steady but the target of a five percentage point increase by 22 is considered to still be within reach (T87); the Audit Committee is concerned, however, about the lack of improvement to date and the proportion of students which the data show performing at or below the national standard. The number of students completing undergraduate qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics has also remained relatively stable in recent years but the 22 target is still considered within reach (T92). The number of overseas students in South Australia has increased from the baseline year, but more recent decreases are such that achieving the 214 target now appears unlikely (T9). The proportion of South Australians in the labour force with non-school qualifications has also grown, but remains less than the national average (T91). The number of students receiving an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank based on results in at least one mathematics or science subject has decreased in recent years and achievement of the targeted 15% increase by 22 appears unlikely (T88). Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 87. Reading, writing and numeracy (National Minimum Standards) Reading, writing and numeracy (higher proficiency bands) Steady or no movement Modified target baseline established Within reach Modified target 88. Science and maths Negative movement Unlikely 89. SACE or equivalent Positive movement On track 9. Share of overseas students Positive movement Unlikely 91. Non-school qualifications Steady or no movement Unlikely 92. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics qualifications Steady or no movement Within reach 93. Tertiary education and training Positive movement Within reach 146 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

149 Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. Our Education Reading, writing and numeracy: By 22, for reading, writing and numeracy, increase by five percentage points the proportion of South Australian students who achieve: above the National Minimum Standard higher proficiency bands. T87 National Minimum Standard Steady or no movement Within reach Higher proficiency bands Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure 1 An assessment of the trend since 28 is shown using the following symbols: Positive movement Steady or no movement Negative movement The Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement where the difference between the 211 and 28 figures is two percentage points or less. Percentage of South Australian students performing above the National Minimum Standard in reading, writing and numeracy (28 baseline as shaded below) Trend since 28 Yr 3 students Reading Writing* Numeracy n/a Yr 5 students Reading Writing* Numeracy n/a Yr 7 students Reading Writing* Numeracy n/a Yr 9 students Reading Writing* Numeracy n/a Data source: Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood. Note: In 28 and 29 the NAPLAN writing test consisted of a narrative task, while in 21 and 211 it was a persuasive task. The persuasive writing scores should not be compared with the narrative writing scores as they use different scales. The majority of South Australian students in year levels 3, 5, 7 and 9 performed above the National Minimum Standard (NMS) in reading, writing and numeracy between 28 and 211. The Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as steady or no movement given the percentages recorded in 211 were generally similar to the percentages recorded in the 28 baseline year. However, the Committee notes that there were some exceptions to this trend, with the proportion of year 5 students performing above the NMS in numeracy increasing from 69% in 28 to 75% in 211. Conversely, the proportion of year 3 students performing above the NMS in numeracy declined from 82% in 28 to 79% in 211. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

150 Our Education Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. T87 continued The Audit Committee considers the target to increase the proportion of South Australian students who achieve above the NMS by five percentage points by 22 to be within reach. While there has been no appreciable change in the results between 28 and 211, the Committee recognises that there are a number of years remaining to achieve this goal. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned about the lack of improvement to date and the reverse of these results, in terms of the proportion of students performing at or below the national standard. Key measure 2 No assessment of the trend is included, as there is no data after the 211 baseline year. Percentage of South Australian students in the higher proficiency bands in reading, writing and numeracy (211 baseline as shaded) Yr 3 students Reading Writing Numeracy Yr 5 students Reading Writing Numeracy Yr 7 students Reading Writing Numeracy Yr 9 students Reading Writing Numeracy Data source: Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood. The higher proficiency bands component of the target was included in SASP for the first time in 211. In 211 (the baseline year for this component of the target), the percentage of South Australian students in the higher proficiency bands in reading, writing and numeracy varied for different year levels. At the upper end of the spectrum, 38% of year 3 students were in the higher proficiency bands in reading. In comparison, 17% of year 9 students were in the higher proficiency bands in reading. The Audit Committee has not rated progress or achievability as there is no data available beyond the 211 baseline year. The National Assessment Plan Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) commenced in Australian schools in 28. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are assessed annually using national tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results are reported on scales, indicating how students have performed compared to established standards. A National Minimum Standard is defined and located on the assessment scale for each year level. The NAPLAN assessment scale is divided into ten bands. Band 2 is the minimum standard for Year 3, band 4 is the minimum standard for Year 5, band 5 is the minimum standard for Year 7 and band 6 is the minimum standard for Year 9. Students who are below the National Minimum Standard (NMS) have not achieved the learning outcomes expected for their year level. They are considered to be at risk of being unable to progress satisfactorily at school without targeted intervention. Students performing at the National Minimum Standard may also require additional assistance to enable them to achieve their potential The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

151 Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. Our Education T87 continued The full National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy Scale is shown below. Students achieving above the minimum standard are those in the upper four bands for each year level. For the purposes of this SASP target, higher proficiency bands are defined as the upper 2 bands in each year level. Year level The six bands used for reporting student performance Below the national minimum standard At the national minimum standard Above the national minimum standard Higher proficiency bands Year 3 Bands 1 to 6 Band 1 Band 2 Bands 3 to 6 Bands 5 and 6 Year 5 Bands 3 to 8 Band 3 Band 4 Bands 5 to 8 Bands 7 and 8 Year 7 Bands 4 to 9 Band 4 Band 5 Bands 6 to 9 Bands 8 and 9 Year 9 Bands 5 to 1 Band 5 Band 6 Bands 7 to 1 Bands 9 and 1 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

152 Our Education Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. T88 Science and maths: By 22, increase by 15% the number of students receiving an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank or equivalent in at least one of the following subjects: mathematics, physics or chemistry. Negative movement Unlikely Key measure Number of students receiving an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank or equivalent in at least one of the following subjects: mathematics, physics or chemistry (23 baseline) 5, 4,5 4, Number of students 3,5 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, South Australia 3,973 3,824 3,686 3,577 3,513 3,721 3,699 3,788 3,347 Target 4,572 Baseline 3,973 Data source: SACE Board of South Australia. In 211, 3,347 students received an Australian tertiary admissions rank or equivalent in mathematics, physics or chemistry. This was lower than the level recorded in the 23 baseline year and the lowest level recorded during the period since 23. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as negative movement and assessed achievability as unlikely. 15 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

153 Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. Our Education SACE or equivalent: Increase yearly the proportion of year olds who achieve the SACE or comparable senior secondary qualification. T89 Positive movement On track Key measure 19 year olds who have completed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), International Baccalaureate, TAFE Certificate II, III or IV (25 baseline) Per cent South Australia Baseline 63. Data source: SACE Board of South Australia. The key measure used for this target is the proportion of 19 year olds who have achieved a senior secondary or equivalent qualification. This is consistent with the national measure of educational attainment adopted by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The measure is calculated from administration records of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) Board of South Australia and the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (Technical and Further Education). The 19 year old population figure used to calculate the ratio includes all South Australian residents (including overseas students resident in this state). The proportion of 19 year old South Australians who have completed the SACE increased from 62.6% in 25 (the baseline year) to 75.2% in 211. The Audit Committee has accordingly rated progress as positive movement. An achievability rating of on track has been assigned on the basis that the proportion of 19 year olds achieving SACE or an equivalent has increased each year since the baseline. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended as part of the next SASP update process to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of year olds achieving SACE or equivalent and a timeframe to achieve this aim. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

154 Our Education Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. T9 Share of overseas students: Increase the number of overseas students across all education and training sectors from 13,737 in 23 to 45, by 214. Positive movement Unlikely Key measure Numbers of overseas students in South Australia (23 baseline) 45, 4, Number of overseas students 35, 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, South Australia 13,737 15,49 18,12 2,466 23,3 27,942 33,732 34,297 31,334 Target 45, Baseline Data source: Australian Education International (AEI) Collections (Enrolments), Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The number of overseas students in South Australia increased from 13,737 in 23 (the baseline year) to 31,334 in 211. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. From 23 to 21, the number of overseas students steadily increased, with the 21 figure of 34,297 two and a half times greater than the number recorded in 23. On the basis of this data, South Australia was heading in the right direction to attain the 45, target by 214. However, the number of overseas students decreased by approximately 3, or 8.6% to 31,334 in 211. The decline in student numbers in 211 can be attributed to the ongoing impacts of the high Australian dollar, increased competition, changes to student visa policy and skilled migration policy. The decline in overseas students may also reflect negative perceptions of personal safety related to studying in Australia. The average annual growth rate from 23 to 211 was 1.86%. An average annual growth rate of 12.82% is required to achieve the 214 target. The Audit Committee has rated the achievability of this target as unlikely. Most of the growth in student numbers was recorded between 23 and 29, with the numbers levelling off in 21 and then declining in 211. An additional 13,666 overseas students are needed in the next few years to reach the target of 45, students by 214. This will be difficult to obtain, particularly given preliminary 212 data shows a further decline in the number of enrolments in the first five months of 212 compared to the same period in South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

155 Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. Our Education Non-school qualifications: By 214, equal or better the national average for the proportion of the labour force with non-school qualifications and maintain thereafter. T91 Steady or no movement Unlikely Key measure Proportion of the labour force with non-school qualifications (22 baseline) 65 6 Per cent South Australia Australia Baseline 55 Data source: ABS Cat. No Education and Work, Australia. The proportion of South Australians in the labour force with non-school qualifications grew from 51.1% in 22 (the baseline year) to 58.5% in 211. The Australian level also increased over this same period (from 54.5% to 62.%). The gap between the South Australian and Australian figures remained relatively stable (3.4 percentage points in 22 compared with 3.5 percentage points in 211) and therefore progress on this target has been rated as steady or no movement. The Audit Committee considers achievement of the target to be unlikely. Although prior to 211 the gap between the South Australian and Australian figures had narrowed to less than three percentage points (2.2 percentage points in 29), these gains were reversed in 211. At no stage since 22 has South Australia equalled or bettered the national average. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

156 Our Education Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. T92 Science, technology, engineering and mathematics qualifications: Increase the number of domestic students completing undergraduate qualifications in specified science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of education by 15 percentage points to 3,6 students per annum by 22. Steady or no movement Within reach Key measure Number of domestic students completing undergraduate qualifications in specified science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of education (29 baseline) 4, 3,5 3, Number of students 2,5 2, 1,5 1, South Australia 3,31 2,991 3,82 3,5 3,37 3,129 3,82 Target 3,6 Baseline 3 Data source: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) Completions Data by Narrow Field of Education. In 29 (the baseline year), 3,129 domestic students completed undergraduate qualifications in specified science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of education. In 21 (the latest data available), there were 3,82 STEM completions. Although the number of completions was slightly lower in 21, the Audit Committee has rated progress as steady or no movement given the small size of the decrease (47 students or 1.5%). It is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points and the long timeframe for this target. The Audit Committee has therefore adopted a cautious approach and rated the target as within reach. In making its assessment, the Committee also notes that the STEM Skills Strategy was launched in 211. An impact on skills completions is not expected until after that date. However, the Committee notes that 3,6 students completing undergraduate qualifications by 22 is an ambitious target and has some concern about attaining this level given the numbers recorded to date. The Audit Committee also notes that in 21, 55.5% of students who completed undergraduate qualifications in STEM subjects were female and less than 1% of students were Aboriginal. (Refer to SASP website for further information.) 154 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

157 Vision: South Australians are the best teachers and learners. Our Education Tertiary education and training: Increase the proportion of South Australians aged participating in tertiary education and training to 17% by 216. T93 Positive movement Within reach Key measure Proportion of South Australians aged participating in tertiary education and training (29 baseline) Per cent South Australia Target 17. Baseline 16 Data source: VET students NCVER VET Provider Statistics, VOCSTATS Student database, 22 21; higher education students Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE), Selected Higher Education Statistics, Full Year 21 & 29, unpublished data; Population estimates ABS Cat No 311. Australian Demographic Statistics, September 211, Table 54 & 59. The proportion of South Australians aged 15 to 64 years participating in tertiary education and training increased from 15.7% in 29 (the baseline year) to 16.% in 21. Although this equates to a small increase of.3 percentage points, the Audit Committee has rated progress on this target as positive movement (as opposed to steady or no movement), given the size of the increase required to attain the 216 target (of 1.3 percentage points from the baseline year). It is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points with confidence. The Audit Committee has therefore taken a conservative approach and rated achievement of the 17% target by 216 to be within reach. This target measures participation in tertiary education and training, not completions, and covers all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification levels beyond Year 12. It excludes international students and enabling and non-award courses. Two-thirds of South Australians participating in tertiary education and training in 21 were vocational education and training (VET) students, while the remaining one third were higher education students. The Audit Committee notes that the increase in the proportion of South Australians aged 15 to 64 years participating in tertiary education and training between 29 and 21 was largely due to an increase in participation by males (up from 15.% to 15.6%). While females participate at a higher rate than their male counterparts, the level of female participation remained more stable over the period (16.3% in 29 and 16.4% in 21). (Refer SASP website for further information.) South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

158 Our Ideas Overview The Our Ideas priority area focuses on the vision that South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. The value of university research income has grown and attainment of the target is considered to be on track (T97). South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production has also increased, ensuring that the state is well placed to achieve the target (T1). Three targets in this priority area were modified during the 211 SASP update (T94 Venture capital; T95 Industry collaboration, research and development commercialisation; and T96 Public research expenditure). There is only baseline data available for these targets and the Audit Committee has therefore not assessed progress or achievability. Expenditure on research and development by business has increased from the baseline year but recent decreases are such that the target is considered unlikely to be achieved (T98). Similarly, the number of people attending cultural institutions has declined recently and achievement of the targeted increase appears unlikely (T99). Target Progress Rating Achievability Rating 94. Venture capital Modified target baseline established Modified target 95. Industry collaboration, research and development commercialisation Modified target baseline established Modified target 96. Public research expenditure Modified target baseline established Modified target 97. University research income Positive movement On track 98. Business research expenditure Positive movement Unlikely 99. Cultural engagement institutions Negative movement Unlikely 1. Screen industry Positive movement Within reach 156 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

159 Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. Our Ideas Venture capital: Achieve a cumulative total of 1 private equity investments into South Australian companies between 211 and 22. T94 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Venture capital and private equity investments (21 11 baseline) Number of projects South Australia 15 Target 1 Baseline 5 Data source: Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL). This 211 SASP target replaces a 27 SASP target (T4.12), which was modified in light of a recommendation made by the Audit Committee in its 21 Progress Report to focus on the number of new private equity investments into South Australian companies by local and interstate-based angel investors and venture capital investors. As this is a new target, and only data for the baseline year is currently available, the Audit Committee has not assessed progress and achievability. In (the baseline year), there were 15 venture capital and private equity investments in South Australia. The target is to achieve a cumulative total of 1 investments by 22. Venture Capital is defined as money provided by investors to start-up firms and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. This is an important source of funding for start-ups that do not have access to capital markets. It typically entails higher risk for the investor, but it has the potential for above-average returns. Private Equity consists of investors and funds that make investments directly into private companies or conduct buyouts of public companies that result in a delisting of public equity. The majority of private equity consists of institutional investors and accredited investors who can commit large sums of money for long periods of time. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

160 Our Ideas Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. T95 Industry collaboration, research and development commercialisation: Increase to $65m total gross cumulative value of industry and other funding for research earned by universities and state-based publicly funded research institutions by 22. Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Total gross cumulative value of industry and other funding for research earned by SA universities and Publicly Funded Research Institutes (21 baseline) $ million South Australia $1.4 Target $65 Baseline $65 Data source: Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) Funding Contracts, Grants. In 21 (the baseline year), the total gross cumulative value of industry and other funding for research earned by universities and state-based publicly funded research institutions (PFRI) was just over $1 million. The target is to earn $65 million by 22. As data is only available for the baseline year, the Audit Committee is unable to assess progress or the likelihood of achieving this target. Of the total $1.4 million research funding earned in 21, state universities earned just over $56 million and state-based PFRIs earned just over $44 million. The latter category largely consisted of earnings by the South Australian Research Development Institute, which totalled $42 million. 158 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

161 Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. Our Ideas Public research expenditure: Public expenditure on research and development, as a proportion of GSP, to be maintained at 1.2% to 22. T96 Modified target baseline established Modified target baseline established Key measure Public expenditure on research and development as a proportion of Gross State Product (28 9 baseline) 1.3% 1.2% 1.1% 1.%.9% Per cent.8%.7%.6%.5%.4%.3%.2%.1%.% South Australia 1.4% 1.8% 1.14% 1.18% Target 1.2% Baseline 1.4% Data source: ABS 8112DO5_289 Research and Experimental Development, All Sector Summary, Australia, 28 9; ABS 522. Australian National Accounts: State Accounts. In the 28 9 baseline year, South Australia s public expenditure on research and development as a proportion of GSP was 1.18%. The Audit Committee has not rated progress or achievability for this target as this data is published every two years and there is no data currently available beyond the baseline year. Public expenditure on research and development in South Australia in dollar terms was $945 million in While it is not the focus of this target, South Australia s public expenditure as a proportion of GSP was higher than national expenditure in 28 9 (1.18% compared to.81%). The State Accounts data is subject to frequent revisions. For example, the 21 SASP Progress Report lists public research expenditure for South Australia as 1.2% in 26 7, but more recently this was revised down to 1.14%. Target 96 replaces T4.9 in the 27 SASP. This target was changed to make it more relevant to South Australia and to focus on maintaining our current high proportion of expenditure, rather than comparing South Australia to an Australian average. The original 22 3 baseline has been changed to 28 9, on the basis that this was the most recent data available at the time of the SASP release in September 211 and relates to the wording of T96 ( to be maintained ). This change was one of a small number of amendments to SASP endorsed by the Government. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

162 Our Ideas Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. T97 University research income: Increase the total gross value of university research income to 2% above South Australia s per capita share by 214 and maintain thereafter. Positive movement On track Key measure Total gross value of university research income per capita share (28 baseline) 25% 2% Per cent difference 15% 1% 5% % South Australia 2.5% 19.21% 15.7% 9.83% 17.72% 22.4% 24.67% Target 2% Baseline 17.72% Data source: Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) all categories; and ABS 311. Australian Demographic Statistics. The research income of South Australian universities per capita share increased from 17.7% in 28 (the baseline year) to 24.7% in 21. The Audit Committee has therefore rated progress as positive movement. The target specifies that the total gross value of university research income should reach 2% above South Australia s per capita share by 214 and be maintained at this level thereafter. The Audit Committee considers the achievement of this target to be on track. While the 2% target level was exceeded in 29 and 21, it will be necessary to maintain this level through to 214 and beyond to achieve this target. The key measure for this target represents the percentage difference between the South Australian share of national research income and South Australia s share of the total Australian population. 16 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

163 Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. Our Ideas Business research expenditure: Increase business expenditure on research and development to 1.5% of GSP by 214, and increase to 2.% by 22. T98 Positive movement Unlikely Key measure Ratio of business expenditure to GSP (2 1 baseline) 2.% 1.8% 1.6% 1.4% 1.2% 1.%.8%.6%.4%.2%.% Per cent South Australia Milestone 1.5 Target 2. Baseline.8 Data source: ABS Cat. No Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia. Business expenditure on research and development was higher in 29 1 (.94%) than the baseline year of 2 1 (.5%). Progress has been rated as positive movement given the gains made since the baseline year, although the Committee recognises that the 29 1 figure is lower than the peak of 1.16% in The dampening influence of the Global Financial Crisis and the impact of the high Australian dollar in reducing the competitiveness of value-adding industries most likely to conduct research and development seems evident in South Australia s performance since The target to increase expenditure to 2.% of GSP by 22 (with a milestone of 1.5% by 214) seems unlikely on the basis of the latest data. From 2 1 to 29 1, the average annual growth rate was 7.27%. To achieve the milestone requires an average annual growth rate of 12.39% to , while achievement of the target requires an average annual growth rate of 7.84% to South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

164 Our Ideas Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. T99 Cultural engagement institutions: Increase the number of attendances at South Australia s cultural institutions by 2% by 214 and maintain or improve thereafter. Negative movement Unlikely Key measure Attendances at South Australia s cultural institutions (23 4 baseline) Attendance numbers (million) South Australia Target Baseline 3. Data source: Arts SA, Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Attendances at South Australia s cultural institutions includes annual attendance at the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the State Library of South Australia and museums operated by History SA (the Migration Museum, National Motor Museum and South Australian Maritime Museum). In 21 11, there were million attendances at these cultural institutions. This is the lowest figure recorded in the last eight years, considerably below the peak of million in 26 7 and the baseline of 2.42 million recorded in On this basis, the Audit Committee has given a progress rating of negative movement and an achievability rating of unlikely. The decline in attendances at cultural institutions largely reflects a reduction in attendances at the State Library. The library has been focusing its efforts on online activities and it is likely that more clients are now accessing library services via this means. The Audit Committee recommends that consideration be given to modifying the measure for this target in the future to include online access, in recognition of the impact of information technology on service delivery. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to modifying the measure used for the target to include online access, in addition to physical attendance, at South Australia s cultural institutions. 162 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

165 Vision: South Australians are creative; we innovate to overcome environmental, economic, and social challenges. Our Ideas Screen industry: Increase South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production to 6% by 22. T1 Positive movement Within reach Key measure South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production (29 1 baseline) 6 Australian Drama Expenditure (per cent) H South Australia 3 4 Target 6 Baseline 6. Data source: Screen Australia, The Drama Report 21 11: Production of Feature Films and TV Drama in Australia. South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production was 3% in the 29 1 baseline year. This increased to 4% in 21 11, leading the Audit Committee to rate progress as positive movement. An increase of a further two percentage points is required over the next nine years to reach the target of 6% by 22. While it is difficult to assess achievability on the basis of two data points, the Committee considers the realisation of this target to be within reach. This measure includes the production of feature films and TV drama programs (mini-series, telemovies and series/serials). In 21 11, the largest proportion of film and screen production activity occurred in New South Wales (41%), followed by Queensland (28%) and Victoria (25%). South Australia s share of 4% mainly included foreign post-production, digital production and visual effects (PDV) work. PDV refers to those activities that create audio and visual elements for film or TV drama, including sound and visual editing, digital effects, creation of computer-generated images, film laboratory work and duplication services. The Audit Committee understands that expenditure in South Australia reduced from $2 million in 29 1 to $19 million in However, Australia s total drama expenditure decreased by an even greater margin, from $736 million in 29 1 to $495 million in 21 11, such that South Australia s share of Australian film and screen production actually increased over this period. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

166 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations The Audit Committee has made recommendations about some targets in order to improve the measures used so that progress can be reported in the most reliable way. This includes the small number of targets rated as unclear as the Committee has been unable to rate progress or achievability, because the data source specified in SASP is no longer available, reliable or meaningful. The Audit Committee also considers that there are some instances where the target wording could be strengthened, for example by including a more specific level of increase to be reached and a specific timeframe, and it provides recommendations on these targets for consideration in the next SASP update process. T4 Tourism industry: Increase visitor expenditure in South Australia s total tourism industry to $8 billion and on Kangaroo Island to $18 million by 22 (milestone of $6.3 billion (total industry) by 214). Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee: If tourism expenditure data for Kangaroo Island is not regularly and reliably available, that consideration is given to amending the target to focus on a more measureable indicator, such as visitor numbers. T5 Multiculturalism Maintain the high rate of South Australians who believe cultural diversity is a positive influence in the community. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of South Australians who believe cultural diversity is a positive influence and a timeframe to achieve this aim. T6 T7 Aboriginal wellbeing Improve the overall wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That any future targets in the area of Aboriginal wellbeing are made more specific and expressed in terms of closing the gap, for consistency with the targets in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement that has been reached by the Council of Australian Governments. Affordable housing South Australia leads the nation over the period to 22 in the proportion of homes sold or built that are affordable by low and moderate income households. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to rewording the target, including, for example, by focusing on improving South Australia s performance over time rather than comparing performance with other jurisdictions. T9 Aboriginal housing Reduce overcrowding in Aboriginal households by 1% by 214. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That a more ambitious Aboriginal housing target is considered, given that the 1% reduction was almost exceeded in 28, well ahead of the 214 target year. 164 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

167 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations T12 T13 T15 Early childhood Increase the proportion of children developing well. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of children developing well and a timeframe to achieve this aim. Work-life balance Improve the quality of life of all South Australians through maintenance of a healthy work-life balance. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of improvement in the work-life balance of South Australians and a timeframe to achieve this aim. Aboriginal education early years Increase yearly the proportion of Aboriginal children reading at age appropriate levels at the end of Year 1. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to include a specific level of achievement in the proportion of Aboriginal children reading at age appropriate levels at the end of Year 1. In revising this target it may be appropriate to focus on closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal children. T18 T19 T2 Violence against women A significant and sustained reduction in violence against women through to 222. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of reduction in violence against women. Repeat offending South Australia has the lowest Australian rate of repeat offenders over the period to 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to re-wording this target to clarify the intent of the target. Bushfire preparedness Increase the number of households in high bushfire prone areas that are prepared for a bushfire by 3% by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the research currently being undertaken by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Authorities Council and the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre on an alternative indicator to the Bushfire Preparedness measure be monitored. The Audit Committee also recommends that any indicators developed via this process be assessed as to their potential to provide an improved measure for the target. T23 Social participation Increase the proportion of South Australians participating in social, community and economic activities by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of South Australians socially participating. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

168 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations T26 Early childhood birth weight Reduce the proportion of low birth weight babies and halve the proportion of Aboriginal low weight babies by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee The Audit Committee considers that the focus of this target should be on the continued improvement of the birth weight in the Aboriginal population. If the focus on the birth weight for babies in the general population is retained, it is recommended that a specific level of reduction be included in the target. T27 Understanding of Aboriginal culture Aboriginal cultural studies is included in school curriculum by 216 with involvement of Aboriginal people in design and delivery. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the key measure for the target is broadened to include all South Australian schools rather than be limited to public schools. T28 Aboriginal leadership Increase the number of Aboriginal South Australians participating in community leadership and in community leadership development programs. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of increase in the number of Aboriginal people participating in leadership development activities and a timeframe to achieve this aim. T34 T38 Credit rating Maintain AAA credit rating. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is reviewed, given the Audit Committee has rated it as not reached, and consideration is given to rewording it to make it measureable by, for example, focusing on performance in a single year or over a specific longer term. Business investment Exceed Australia s ratio of business investment as a percentage of the economy by 214 and maintain thereafter. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That further consideration is given to whether private gross fixed capital formation as a proportion of GSP/GDP provides a better measure of business investment than the current measure used for Target 38 (ratio of private new capital expenditure to GSP/GDP). T39 Competitive business climate Maintain Adelaide s rating as the least costly place to set up and do business in Australia and continue to improve our position internationally. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That further consideration is given to the wording of the target, given the difficulties in measuring how Adelaide s business costs compare internationally. 166 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

169 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations T42 T43 Minerals production and processing Increase the value of minerals production and processing to $1 billion by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is modified to include separate growth targets for minerals production and processing (totalling $1 billion by 22). A dual rating approach could then be adopted, with production and processing given separate ratings. Defence industry Increase defence and defence industry annual contribution to our economy to $2.5 billion and employment to 37, people by 22 (milestone of $2 billion and 28, people by 213). Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That Defence SA investigate alternative options to measure the contribution of the defence industry to the economy. T46 Regional population levels Increase regional populations, outside of Greater Adelaide, by 2, to 32, or more by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the wording of this target is revisited, in light of the revised baseline population figure that was published in July 212, to ensure that the numbers specified in the target are consistent with each other. T47 Jobs Increase employment by 2% each year from 21 to 216. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to rewording the target to clarify the level of increase required through to 216, particularly whether it is an annual increase, or average growth per annum. T58 Online business Increase the proportion of businesses that receive orders online from 24% to 4% by 214 and continue growth each year to 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That alternative data sources are explored to obtain reliable data at the state level given that future ABS Business Characteristics Surveys and Business Use of Information Technology publications are unlikely to report data for South Australia. T66 Emissions intensity Limit the carbon intensity of total South Australian electricity generation to.5 tonnes of CO2/MWh by 22. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to broadening the target to take into consideration both scope 1 and scope 3 emissions. T69 Lose no species Lose no native species as a result of human impacts. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to re-wording this target, including the addition of a specific timeframe, so as to enable trend data to be used more effectively to measure achievability. South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report

170 Summary of Audit Committee Recommendations T71 T74 T86 T89 Marine biodiversity Maintain the health and diversity of South Australia s unique marine environments. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee When the marine parks network monitoring program is established it is recommended that this be used as the key data source for this target. In the interim, consideration should be given to supplementary data sources that provide information on the health of South Australia s marine environments. Recycled wastewater South Australia has the system capacity to recycle up to 5 GL of wastewater per annum by 225. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is modified, given that the 5 GL level was exceeded in the baseline year, well ahead of the 225 target year. This could involve adopting a more ambitious wastewater recycling capacity target or shifting the focus from capacity to reuse. Psychological wellbeing Equal or lower the Australian average for psychological distress by 214 and maintain thereafter. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to reframing this target to focus on South Australia s position over time. This recommendation is based on the frequency of availability of data from the ABS National Health Survey (triennially), the margin of error in the South Australian data obtained from this survey and the recognition that an alternative source of South Australian data is available (the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System). SACE or equivalent Increase yearly the proportion of year olds who achieve the SACE or comparable senior secondary qualification. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That the target is amended to specify a particular level of increase in the proportion of year olds achieving SACE or equivalent and a timeframe to achieve this aim. T99 Cultural engagement institutions Increase the number of attendances at South Australia s cultural institutions by 2% by 214 and maintain or improve thereafter. Recommendation from the SASP Audit Committee That consideration is given to modifying the measure used for the target to include online access, in addition to physical attendance, at South Australia s cultural institutions. 168 South Australia s Strategic Plan Progress Report 212

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172 Audit Committee Secretariat Department of the Premier and Cabinet GPO Box 2343 Adelaide SA 5