Information statement

The following information is published pursuant to Section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the Act).

Freedom of Information

The Act extends as far as possible the rights of the public to access documents held by the government, and to ensure that records held by government concerning the personal affairs of members of the public are not incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.

The Act encourages disclosure of information to the public, subject to such restrictions within the Act as are necessary to protect legitimate agency, public and private interests.

Making a Freedom of Information application

Application forms to request information under the Freedom of Information Act, or to request amendment of personal records, can be obtained by contacting the Freedom of Information Coordinator at the address listed below, or download an application form via the State Records website: http://www.archives.sa.gov.au/foi/forms.html

An application for access lodged under the Freedom of Information Act costs $29.50, payable to the agency, and additional processing charges may also be incurred. In certain cases, a reduction of fees and charges may apply.

An application for amendment of personal records is free of charge.

Point of contact

All Freedom of Information enquiries and requests should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer
Primary Industries and Resources SA
GPO Box 1671
ADELAIDE SA 5001

Ph: (08) 8226 9667 or (08) 8226 9418

Agency's structure and functions

A major internal review of PIRSA was undertaken in 2010, this combined with a more detailed examination of key areas, built on work already undertaken during the past few years.

Arising from the review, PIRSA realigned its divisions into four main groupings called Group Executive Directorates, designed to adopt an enhanced partnering and collaborative approach to service delivery expectations.

This better ensures PIRSA can leverage social science and economic analysis to shape policy development, including tackling cross-cutting policy issues such as climate change, water and food security and other emerging issues.  These directorates also augment PIRSA’s focus on enhancing industry and regional development and community engagement.

Group Executive Directorate: Primary Industries and Biosecurity

• Biosecurity SA
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Agriculture, Food, Wine and Forestry
• SA Research and Development Institute

Group Executive Directorate: Mineral and Energy Resources

• Mineral Resources
• Petroleum and Geothermals
• Olympic Dam Taskforce

Group Executive Directorate: Strategy, Policy and People

• Investment and Innovation
• Policy and Planning
• People, Learning and Culture
• Office of the Chief Executive 
• Industry, Regional and Community Engagement 
• Strategic Communications

Group Executive Directorate: Portfolio Services

• Business Services 
• Finance and Asset Management
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Risk Management and Audit
• Rural Solutions SA

Further information about the role and function of each of the above divisions within PIRSAs executive directorates can be found by navigating to our homepage and selecting a group from the list located on the left of screen.

Ways in which the functions of the agency affect members of the public

PIRSA has a key role in promoting sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on exports for the key industry sectors of minerals, food, wine, fisheries, aquaculture, fibre, livestock and grain. PIRSA contributes to the sustainable planning and development of our natural resources along their value chains. PIRSA focuses on reducing barriers to industry investment and exports, facilitating the application of new technologies, services, products and knowledge through its strong partnerships with industry sectors and regional communities. Consequently, the agency has a major indirect effect on the general public by creating jobs, wealth and prosperity through advice, encouragement and support of community development and of various primary industries and resources.

Arrangements that enable the public to participate in the formulation of the agency’s policies

PIRSA has a diverse range of industry boards, committees and working groups which also include external participation.

The agency’s policy documents

PIRSA’s policy documents can be broadly defined into the following areas:

• Data and information
• Financial management
• Governance
• Human resource management
• Procurement and asset management

The following documents are also held by the agency:

• Corporate files containing correspondence, memoranda, minutes, etc., regarding all aspects of the agency’s operations
• Procedures and guidelines prescribing the way various activities are to be performed
• Personnel files relating to PIRSA employees
• Accounting and financial records relating to the administration of the department
• Contracts

Documents available for purchase from the agency

Listed below are of some of the documents available for purchase from the agency, by contacting Customer Services, Level 7, 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide:

• Publications
• Scientific papers
• Technical reports
• Conference and seminar proceedings
• Books and theses
• Extension and technical publications
• Popular articles
• Research reports and papers

Documents available from the agency free of charge

The following documents are made available free of charge from the agency and are available by contacting the individual groups or Customer Services:

• Brochures
• Pamphlets
• Posters
• Information packs
• Policy documents
• Administrative instructions
• Internet: 
• downloadable education resources
• community group presentations
• media releases
• Prime Time, PIRSA’s monthly newsletter

Accessing documents

As a general rule, the nearest office of the agency (as listed in the Adelaide and various country White Pages) can assist with applying for documents.