About DTED
The Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) is the South Australian Government’s key economic development agency.
The Department’s key objectives are:
- maintain an internationally competitive business environment;
- increase business investment and facilitate major projects;
- foster the development of innovative, globally competitive businesses;
increase international trade; - develop a vibrant and entrepreneurial small business sector;
- encourage industry's involvement in the development of a highly skilled workforce;
- build sustainable communities in regional South Australia;
- deliver highly valued services and advice to government and industry;
- develop an organisational environment that is consistent with our guiding principles and enables us to do our business in an effective and efficient way.
DTED offers programs and services to support all business activities that benefit the State – from small business operations through to billion-dollar projects and major investments.
Our work is driven by South Australia’s Strategic Plan which sets objectives and targets for the State. Our work is directed by the broad headings of Growing Prosperity, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, and Building Communities. Specifically, we work to achieve results in the following areas:
• Business growth
• Investment attraction
• International market development
• Business environment and economy strategy
• Workforce development
• Population and migration
• Community development in regional South Australia.
We work closely with a number of key economic advisory bodies, view Boards and Councils.
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Supporting South Australia's growth
The department undertakes the following actions to support South Australia's economic growth:
· We provide high-level economic and trade policy advice to government, backed by sophisticated and rigorous analysis.
· We work to maintain close communications between government and business, and to support industry-led development initiatives.
· We develop and facilitate implementation of strategies for the economic growth of the State and its regions.
· We facilitate development of major projects of strategic significance to the State.
· We facilitate the provision of selected business extension services identified as providing a significant net benefit to the State economy.
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Responsible Ministers
- The Hon. Mike Rann, Premier and Minister for Economic Development.
- The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business.
- The Hon. Michael O'Brien, Minister for Regional Development.
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Contact
Mr Lance Worrall
Chief Executive
Department of Trade and Economic Development
Level 9
The Conservatory
131-139 Grenfell Street
Adelaide 5000
GPO Box 1264
Adelaide
South Australia 5001
Tel. +61 8 8303 2400
Fax. +61 8 8303 2410
Email: dted@sa.gov.au
Web: www.southaustralia.biz
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DTED's Business Units
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Deputy Chief Executive
Contact: Lachlan Bruce, Deputy Chief Executive
The Office of the Deputy Chief Executive guides the implementation of state-wide strategies and programs aimed at strengthening international business competitiveness and providing tangible economic, social and environmental benefits for South Australians.
We provide strategic services, research and expert advice to support programs that encourage the development of a diverse, productive economy driven by innovative, sustainable and entrepreneurial businesses.
Units under the Deputy Chief Executive are:
Commercial Advice
Office of Small Business and Regional Development
Manufacturing, Services and Business Sustainability
International Market Development
Strategic Marketing and Communications
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Commercial Advice
The Commercial Advice team works with DTED and other related agencies to assist in the evaluation and determination of the business viability of projects and economic development programs.
We:
- provide high-level advice on the commercial viability of projects
- identify risks and develop and implement strategies to minimise those risks
- assess and manage complex and critical commercial information
- provide high-level consultancy and review services regarding legislative and contractual compliance
- conduct high-level commercial and financial analysis
- undertake due diligence; and
- undertake strategic consultancy services
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Office of Small Business and Regional Development
Unit contact: Mike Sinkunas, Director
The Small Business and Regional Development business unit is the lead advocate for South Australia’s small business and regional communities.
We work to ensure the needs of both groups are appropriately considered in government decision-making by providing strategic advice to the State Government on issues such as policy, planning and legislation in conjunction with the Policy and Business Environment unit.
As part of our commitment to building South Australia’s competitive economic environment, we:
- provide tools, programs and incentives to help small businesses operate efficiently and sustainably
- assist regional communities to become more self-reliant, sustainable and prosperous by:
- supporting infrastructure development
- building cases for regional investment
- promoting competitive advantages
- encouraging local leadership.
We bring together government, industry, small business and regional stakeholders on co-operative initiatives that benefit industry, communities and the State, through our work in partnership with the Regional Communities Consultative Council and the Business Development Council.
We manage all regional development programs in South Australia’s non-metropolitan areas and provide a link between South Australia’s Regional Development Boards and Business Enterprise Centres – ensuring businesses across the State have access to relevant expertise and resources.
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Manufacturing, Services and Business Sustainability
Unit contact: Len Piro, Executive Director
The Manufacturing, Services and Business Sustainability business unit, in conjunction with the Policy and Business Environment unit and the Office of the Economic Development Board, plays a lead role in developing an internationally competitive business environment that benefits all South Australians.
Our aim is to build capability and capacity in the State’s manufacturing and services sector by supporting innovative, export-focussed businesses that have high-growth potential.
We work with businesses, industry associations, unions, research organisations and service providers to:
- monitor industry trends
- increase sustainable business investment and jobs in South Australia
- maximise local industry participation in significant investment projects
- support the growth of local manufacturing and service sector enterprises.
In collaboration with stakeholder organisations such as the South Australian Centre for Innovation, the Industry Capability Network South Australia (ICNSA) and government agencies, we develop and deliver programs geared to productivity improvement, sustainability and long-term economic growth.
Through the ICNSA, we connect local businesses to new market opportunities associated with emerging investment. We also help companies tender for major project work with the support of the State Government’s Industry Participation Policy.
We are responsible for encouraging ongoing and sustainable investment in South Australia, as well as managing the State’s major investment activities to maximise structural and transformational economic change.
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International Market Development
Unit contact: David Litchfield, Executive Director
The International Market Development business unit develops and delivers international programs and policies that support a globally integrated economy and manages the State Government’s network of Overseas Representatives Offices and liaises with the Agent General’s office in London.
The unit includes three cross functional teams responsible for investment, trade and migration.
Our activities are governed by the department’s strategic objectives to increase the State’s export income, skilled migration and business investment. Our key measurables are linked to jobs, export, migration and investment outcomes for the State.
We take a lead role in developing and managing strategic alliances to identify and pursue trade, investment, migration and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
We advise the South Australian Premier and Ministers on international and national business investment to ensure the best possible economic and social outcomes for the State.
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Investment
The key role of the Investment team is to identify, attract and secure private sector investment into South Australia while maximising future investment by organisations already operating locally.
The team brings together industry and government stakeholders to identify and capitalise on investment opportunities.
We disseminate market intelligence to other government agencies to support State-wide, sustainable business development activities.
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Trade
The Trade team works in partnership with business and government agencies, including Austrade, to build South Australia's export capability and markets.
The Trade team:
- assists South Australian companies and government enterprises to successfully access international markets
- co-ordinates inwards and outward trade missions
- develops commercial relationships in key overseas markets to maximise South Australia’s export potential
- develops relationships between the South Australian Government and authorities in key international destinations.
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Migration
The Migration team promotes South Australia as a migration destination of choice and attracts skilled migrants to help meet the employment needs of local industry.
The Migration team participates in trade and investment missions to recruit migrants from key overseas markets and provides arrival and early settlement services to new migrants in South Australia.
We facilitate business migration, often associated with major investment projects, and we are authorised by the Commonwealth Government to provide migration sponsorships under State-sponsored schemes to suitably qualified candidates.
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Strategic Marketing and Communications
Unit contact: Carolyn Francis, Director
The Strategic Marketing and Communications business unit develops and implements a strategic marketing, communications and media program to support the department’s goals and the State Government’s strategic targets.
Our ultimate goal is to position South Australia as an internationally competitive destination for investment, migration and business.
We work with government stakeholders such as the offices of the Premier, Deputy Premier and State Ministers to:
- promote South Australia as a preferred location to work, live and do business
- foster a shared, global approach to economic growth across the South Australian business community
- promote the business programs provided by the department and partner organisations
- position the department as South Australia’s lead economic development agency.
We work closely with staff across the department to ensure the co-ordinated and timely delivery of messages to internal and external target audiences.
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Unit contact: Mick O'Neill, Executive Director
The Policy and Business Environment unit contributes to the State Government’s economic development policy framework by fostering an internationally competitive South Australian business environment.
We advise on investment, migration and workforce strategies to ensure the optimum economic growth for the State and our policy advice to government and industry is based on rigorous research and analysis.
We work closely with the Economic Development Board and the department’s Strategy and Evaluation Team.
To ensure an integrated and balanced approach to policy and program development, we consult leading economic advisory bodies and work in partnership with other State Government agencies.
We advocate for South Australia on key economic, social and environmental issues and we work to affect positive change in areas such as:
- climate change and sustainability
- innovation
- workforce development
- regulation
- regional development
- government planning and development processes
- economic infrastructure.
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Unit contact: Rebecca Murrie, Acting Director
The Office of the Chief Executive business unit supports the Chief Executive in achieving South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets to:
- grow prosperity
- attain sustainability
- foster creativity and innovation
- build communities
- expand opportunity.
We provide support for a range of cross-departmental activities, are the key point of contact within the department for Ministerial offices, and help to facilitate significant projects initiated by the Chief Executive, State Government Ministers and, when required, the Economic Development Board.
We use best-practice corporate processes to assist the Chief Executive in implementing the department’s strategic and internal communication plans and play a major role in parliamentary and Cabinet processes.
Where required, we represent the Chief Executive and the department at industry and government forums.
Our Strategy and Evaluation Team:
- implements the Strategic Management Framework
- co-ordinates business and strategic planning
- ensures the adoption of whole-of-government mandates and strategic directions across the agency
- implements the Performance Management Framework
- manages annual corporate reporting and the graduate development program
- provides executive support to the Corporate Executive, which is the service governance mechanism in the department.
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Unit contact: Angela Allison, Director
The Corporate Services business unit manages the department’s facilities, finance, human resources, information management and procurement.
We adopt best-practice corporate processes to minimise internal red tape and deliver exemplary internal governance and probity assurance.
This includes providing risk management and internal auditing services, and executive support to the department’s Audit and Risk Management Committee, the Accredited Purchasing Unit and the Budget and Finance Committee.
We attract and retain the best possible staff for the department and ensure that all employees are provided with access to the department’s research, policies, advice and support services.
We lead various whole-of-government initiatives, including the Greening of Government Operations, Shared Services and Women in Leadership.
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Executive Team
Lance Worrall - Chief Executive
Lachlan Bruce - Deputy Chief Executive
Len Piro - Executive Director, Manufacturing, Services and Business Sustainability
Mike Sinkunas - Director, Small Business and Regional Development
David Litchfield - Executive Director, International Market Development
Carolyn Francis - Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Mick O'Neill - Executive Director, Policy and Business Environment
Rebecca Murrie - Acting Director, Office of the Chief Executive
Angela Allison - Director, Corporate Services
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Contact: Patrick Robinson, Director
* With effect from 1 July 2010, the EDB reports to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. However, for the time being, the office is located at DTED offices at 131-139 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
The Office of the Economic Development Board provides strategic economic policy advice and administrative support to the State’s Economic Development Board and the Competitiveness Council.
We complement DTED's work in developing a competitive business environment for South Australia.
We work closely with the other government agencies, as well as the State’s business and community groups, on initiatives to strengthen the local economy and build long-term growth and prosperity.
Our activities are driven by a commitment to reduce red tape, to create a more diverse industry base, improve the sustainability of local businesses and increase the State’s international competitiveness.
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