Why South Australia’s Department of the Premier & Cabinet Could Be Your Next Career Move 🚀✨
A punchy, plain‑English snapshot for job‑hunters who’d rather not wade through 60‑plus pages of an annual report.
AT‑A‑GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Department of the Premier & Cabinet (DPC)
Location: Adelaide headquarters with state‑wide remit
CEO: Damien Walker
Total Revenue (2023‑24): A$408.4 million
Total Number of Employees: Public‑data sources list ≈500 core employees (plus attached cultural institutions), while DPC’s own executive table shows 43 senior executives. Overall operational head‑count is commonly understood to exceed 2,000 when arts and agency staff are included.
DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
DPC created the Office for AUKUS to co‑ordinate South Australia’s role in the multi‑billion‑dollar nuclear‑powered‑submarine program—opening doors for policy minds, project managers and STEM professionals alike.
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DPC
Top 5 academic qualifications
Bachelor of Public Policy – underpins evidence‑based advice to Cabinet.
Bachelor of Commerce / Economics – critical for budget briefs and cost–benefit analyses.
Master of Cyber Security – aligns with DPC’s state‑wide cyber‑uplift projects.
Bachelor of Arts (Communications) – fuels public‑facing campaigns such as We Are.SA.
PhD in Social Sciences – ideal for spearheading whole‑of‑government reform research.
Top 5 certifications
PRINCE2® Practitioner – standard methodology for multi‑agency projects.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – supports DPC’s Risk & Audit function.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – dovetails with the One Stop Shop digital platform.
Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) – essential for complex Treasury returns.
Agile PM® – accelerates delivery in innovation hubs like Lot Fourteen.
Top 5 trades / professions
Policy Analyst – core engine driving Cabinet submissions.
ICT Engineer – maintains whole‑of‑government networks and cyber gateways.
Communications Advisor – crafts statewide campaigns (e.g., “SA is Building”).
Project Manager (Construction / Events) – oversees major‑event infrastructure such as AFL Gather Round.
Archivist / Conservator – safeguards precious state collections supported by DPC.
Top 5 skills
Strategic thinking – turning Premier’s priorities into actionable roadmaps.
Stakeholder engagement – balancing community, industry and government expectations.
Financial modelling – informing grants, subsidies and major‑event bids.
Digital transformation – from identity platforms to cloud migrations.
Risk management – essential across cyber, WHS and program delivery.
Top 5 work experiences
Intergovernmental negotiations – mirrors DPC’s National Cabinet role.
Complex ICT roll‑outs – reflects One Stop Shop and M365 programs.
Large‑scale events – matches Major Events Attraction Committee support.
Cultural‑institution leadership – aligns with the arts portfolio DPC administers.
Economic development projects – dovetails with missions in the SA Economic Statement.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of the Premier & Cabinet
Name of CEO: Damien Walker
Location: South‑Australia‑wide (head office 200 Victoria Sq, Adelaide)
Year Founded: 1856 (modern structure continually refined)
Mission & Purpose: “The heart of government”—to make SA thrive by leading policy, connecting agencies and delivering trusted services. Example: coordinating online service improvements so citizens can renew licences in minutes, not days.
Main Duties: Cabinet support, intergovernmental relations, arts administration, cyber‑security leadership, major‑event attraction and more. Example: securing the 2024 AFL Gather Round that pumped millions into the state economy.
Key Projects / Strategic Priorities / Future Plans:
Office for AUKUS workforce expansion
Lot Fourteen Innovation Places Framework
Whole‑of‑Government Cyber Security Framework refresh
Cultural Institutions Storage Facility build
“SA is Building” infrastructure brand roll‑out
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE 💰
Total Employees: ~2,000+ (see note in At‑a‑Glance);
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: SA Public‑Sector classifications range from ASO1 (entry) to SAES 2 (senior executive).
Salary Bands:
ASO1–2: A$53k–A$68k
ASO3–4: A$69k–A$88k
ASO5–6: A$89k–A$115k
MAS3 / PO4 etc.: A$116k–A$140k
SAES1–2: A$175k–A$315k+
Average Salary (est.): ~A$100k (mid‑band ASO5)
Total Revenue: A$408.4 million
Average Revenue per Employee: ≈A$200k (based on 2,000 staff).
GETTING A JOB AT DPC 🏆
In‑demand academic subjects
Certificate / Diploma Level: Government Administration, Event Management, ICT Support, Records & Information Services.
Bachelor / Master Level: Public Policy, Economics, Cyber Security, Communications, Project Management, Arts Management.
PhD: Social Policy, Behavioural Economics, Climate Strategy, Defence Studies.
Trades & Professions sought
Software Developers, Data Engineers, Electricians (heritage building upgrades), Audio‑Visual Technicians (major events), Conservators (museum collections).
Valued work experiences
Multi‑agency project delivery, cabinet‑level briefing, large‑budget event logistics, grant‑program management, cyber‑incident response.
Hot skills
Soft skills: Persuasion, adaptive leadership, concise briefing, stakeholder diplomacy.
Technical skills: Python / R data analytics, cloud architecture, PRINCE2®, GIS mapping, heritage‑grade carpentry.
General skills: Report‑writing, financial acumen, procurement, contract management, community consultation.
Hobbies & Interests that resonate
Volunteering at arts festivals, hackathons, history preservation groups, policy‑debate societies, local sport event crews.
Want more information on this organisation? 📞
Website: https://www.dpc.sa.gov.au
Jobs portal: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au (search “Department of the Premier and Cabinet”).
Phone (Switchboard): +61 8 8429 5000
Postal address: GPO Box 2343, Adelaide SA 5001
Recruitment queries: askHR@sa.gov.au (state “DPC vacancy” in subject line).
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DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up‑to‑date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.