IPAA SA

IPAA SA IPAA is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation specialising in professional development and events for South Australian public sector employees.

The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) is the largest professional body for public sector employees in South Australia, representing almost half the workforce in this State. The public sector contributes enormously to the prosperity and high living standards of South Australia. IPAA exists to support the efforts of this often ‘silent army’ by fostering positivity and creativity, a

nd offering opportunities for sharing and learning through our wide range of events, training workshops and networking opportunities. Our core aim, with the help of our members, is to make the public sector in South Australia a great place to work and enjoy a varied career. Established in 1927, we are non-political and not-for-profit, catering across the State, Federal and Local spheres of Government. Our long history means we have support from many long-term members and contributors and our independence means we can deliver un-biased information and learnings from across the jurisdictions. We are linked Australia-wide to IPAA divisions in each State and Territory, allowing us to bring knowledge of new practices from around Australia, and often, from overseas. Our members enjoy a wide range of career benefits, as well as the knowledge that they are contributing towards their sector.

You may not always recognise when someone is struggling.In many workplaces, people are navigating stress, anxiety, burno...
10/06/2026

You may not always recognise when someone is struggling.

In many workplaces, people are navigating stress, anxiety, burnout or personal challenges quietly, often without others realising.

Mental Health First Aid Training equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognise when something may be wrong, respond appropriately, and support someone until professional help is available.

Three things you’ll takeaway:
🧠 How to recognise signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges
🧠 How to respond confidently in crisis situations and difficult conversations
🧠 How to help create a safer, more supportive and stigma-free workplace

Facilitated by experts from the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, this accredited two-day course combines practical learning with real-world application.

📅 Tuesday, 11 & 18 August
👉 Secure your place now: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/mentalhealthfirstaidaug26/

01/06/2026

The countdown begins.

With the 2026–27 State Budget set to be released this Thursday, join IPAA SA for a timely post-Budget conversation with the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, facilitated by Daniela Ritorto.

Secure your tables here >> https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/2026-economic-outlook-address/

📊 Budget Myth BustersThere’s often a lot of discussion around State Budgets and economic forecasts, but also a few misco...
27/05/2026

📊 Budget Myth Busters

There’s often a lot of discussion around State Budgets and economic forecasts, but also a few misconceptions.

Here are 3 common myths:

❌ “The budget is just about numbers.”
The State Budget shapes priorities, services, infrastructure and long-term policy direction across government.

❌ “Economic forecasts are predictions.”
Forecasts are informed estimates based on current conditions and assumptions. They help governments plan, adapt and make decisions in uncertain environments.

❌ “A surplus means unlimited spending.”
Budgets involve balancing competing priorities, future risks, service delivery pressures and long-term sustainability.

Understanding the thinking behind economic decisions matters across the public sector, not just in finance roles.

These are some of the broader conversations that’ll be shaping our upcoming Economic Outlook Address.

📅 Tuesday, 9 June
👉 Seats are still available. Secure your spot now: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/2026-economic-outlook-address/

In the room for Persuading Up: Communicating with Influence to Senior Leaders, one theme consistently comes through: gre...
25/05/2026

In the room for Persuading Up: Communicating with Influence to Senior Leaders, one theme consistently comes through: great ideas alone are not always enough.

Knowing how to communicate with senior leaders, frame ideas strategically and build credibility can make all the difference when seeking buy-in.

One recent participant shared that the course helped them take “a more strategic approach when presenting and selling ideas up the command chain”, while another highlighted the value of applying practical tools and real-world examples to challenging workplace situations.

Facilitated by Sharon Ferrier, this practical workshop explores how to influence with confidence, align messaging with executive priorities and communicate ideas more effectively across organisational levels.

📅 Thursday, 28 May
🔗 Find out more: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/short-courses/persuading-up

Reflections on Leadership Over Time with Erma RanieriFor more than three decades, Erma Ranieri has helped shape the publ...
21/05/2026

Reflections on Leadership Over Time with Erma Ranieri

For more than three decades, Erma Ranieri has helped shape the public sector in South Australia. Not only through policy and reform, but through the example she has set as a leader.

As Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, Erma has championed inclusive, high-performing workplaces and advanced conversations around diversity, integrity and employee wellbeing. Her career has taken her from graduate to senior executive, from working mother to grandmother, all while navigating and leading within environments that were not always designed for women to thrive.

In this special On the Couch-style conversation, Erma will share candid reflections on the defining moments that shaped her career, the challenges of progressing through a male-dominated leadership journey, the choices and trade-offs along the way, and the values that have guided her approach to public service.

This session offers more than a career retrospective. It is an opportunity to hear from a trailblazer who has opened doors, shaped systems and influenced generations of public sector leaders.

Following the conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask Erma their own questions and be part of this thoughtful discussion.

If you are interested in leadership that evolves, endures and creates space for others to succeed, we warmly invite you to join us.

📅 Thursday, 23 July
🔗 Secure your seat now: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/reflectionsonleadershipermaranieri

In the room recently for our Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course, we asked participants to reflect on what stoo...
20/05/2026

In the room recently for our Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course, we asked participants to reflect on what stood out most from the session.

Here’s what they shared:
• “Refreshing, practical and immediately applicable.”
• “A valuable session on critical thinking, communication and more considered decision-making.”
• “A great reminder to pause, think objectively and avoid jumping to conclusions.”
• “Strengthened my self-awareness and understanding of team dynamics.”

Real reflections from the room, and a great reminder of the impact practical capability building can have.

👉 Interested in more courses like this? Explore our upcoming catalogue here: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/short-courses-training-2/?keyword&type&area_of_interest=intcommunication

Widely respected Aboriginal leader, founder of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services and much-loved friend of IPAA SA, Jack Bucks...
18/05/2026

Widely respected Aboriginal leader, founder of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services and much-loved friend of IPAA SA, Jack Buckskin will be facilitating our upcoming Indigenous Cultural Awareness course.

A proud Kaurna and Narungga man, Jack has dedicated his life to revitalising and sharing Kaurna language and culture, and brings deep knowledge, generosity and lived experience to the learning environment.

Through his work, Jack continues to play an important role in educating South Australians on Indigenous culture, language and connection to Country.

Participants will explore cultural understanding, kinship, history and respectful engagement, while building greater confidence in working alongside Aboriginal communities in meaningful and culturally informed ways.

A valuable opportunity to learn from one of South Australia’s most respected cultural educators.

📅 Tuesday, 26 May
👉 Secure your place now: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/short-courses/indigenous-cultural-awareness

We’re delighted to welcome Daniela Ritorto to guide the conversation at our upcoming 2026 Economic Outlook Address.Great...
12/05/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Daniela Ritorto to guide the conversation at our upcoming 2026 Economic Outlook Address.

Great public sector conversations rely on insight, experience and the ability to ask the right questions.

With nearly 25 years’ experience as a journalist, presenter and political editor, Daniela brings a depth of insight to moderating complex, policy-driven discussions. From anchoring global news coverage at the BBC to covering budgets and elections in Australia, her focus remains the same: delivering conversations that are informed, engaging and meaningful.

As Daniela puts it:
“A well-prepared, policy-informed conversation is key to engaging both the Treasurer and the audience.”

She’ll lead the conversation with the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, helping to unpack the thinking behind the 2026–27 State Budget and what it means in practice.

📅 Tuesday, 9 June
👉 Secure your place: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/2026-economic-outlook-address/

📊🇦🇺 Budget season has arrived.Federal Budget tonight.SA Budget on 4 June.Safe to say the next few weeks will keep econom...
12/05/2026

📊🇦🇺 Budget season has arrived.
Federal Budget tonight.
SA Budget on 4 June.

Safe to say the next few weeks will keep economists, policymakers and public sector leaders very busy.

As the national and state economic picture takes shape, the conversation continues at the IPAA SA 2026 Economic Outlook Address on 9 June.

Join Treasurer, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis, Daniela Ritorto, and Rick Persse AO as they unpack the challenges, opportunities and outlook shaping South Australia’s future.

📍 9 June 2026
🔗 https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/2026-economic-outlook-address/

One of the many benefits of IPAA SA membership?Your personal membership includes a professional development training vou...
11/05/2026

One of the many benefits of IPAA SA membership?

Your personal membership includes a professional development training voucher equal to the cost of your annual fee.

In other words, your personal membership can pay for itself, while giving you access to:
• Professional development opportunities
• Events and networking
• A community of public sector professionals

Personal Members are at the core of IPAA SA, helping shape the institute's future direction and the broader public sector.

👉 Find out more about our membership offering: https://sa.ipaa.org.au/membership/

Address

12 Pirie Street
Adelaide, SA
5000

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61882127155

Website

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