Head of Arts SA Peter Louca sacked as Liberal Government’s executive purge rolls on

THE State Government purge of Labor-appointed executives has continued, with the head of Arts SA the latest to lose his job.

THE State Government purge of Labor-appointed executives has continued with the head of Arts SA the latest to lose his job.

Peter Louca was dismissed from the role to make room for organisational “reform” within Arts SA.

Mr Louca ran as Labor candidate for the Federal Seat of Mayo in 1996 and was named by The Advertiser as among a host of Labor-appointed executives that faced an uncertain future after the March election.

Department of Premier and Cabinet acting chief executive Erma Ranieri thanked Mr Louca for his work.

Arts SA head Peter Louca has been sacked by the State Government.

“To ensure the Department is best placed to assist in the delivery of the Premier’s vision for South Australia, all aspects of DPC’s business operations have been subjected to a high-level independent review,” Ms Ranieri said.

“Existing required savings targets, along with the need for organisational efficiencies and reform, have led to the decision that Mr Peter Louca will be leaving the Department.

“I would like to thank Mr Louca for his contribution to the arts portfolio and the state, and wish him well for the future.”

Premier Steven Marshall began the widescale clear out of Labor-appointed executives only days after he won the election.

Department of Premier and Cabinet boss Don Russell, environment chief Sandy Pitcher, transport head Micheal Deegan and Attorney-General’s department’s Ingrid Haythorpe were the first to fall in March.

Former state Labor deputy leader and senator Annette Hurley quit her role overseeing public sector superannuation in June ahead of further government board purges.

The South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission experienced a “mass sacking” according to the Opposition with several of the 12 board members leaving their posts.

Former Bannon government education minister Greg Crafter, Housing Trust board chairwoman Mary Patetsos, radio broadcaster Amanda Blair and Playford Council chief executive officer Mal Hemmerling were all dropped from the Housing Trust board in June.