Power 20 list: South Australia’s top influential public servants ranked

More than 100k South Aussies work in the public sector, some earn more than the Premier and they wield power in almost every aspect of life. See the 2024 rankings.

Three of SA's most powerful public servants. Pictures: File

The state’s massive public sector affects virtually every aspect of South Australians’ lives.

From health and education to transport and tourism, primary industries, justice, environment and more, the bureaucracy is all pervasive.

The Commissioner for the Public Sector Employment website says the state public sector workforce stands at “more than 100,000” while the Australian Bureau of Statistics says as of June 2024 it was 143,200 strong, with a wages bill of almost $12bn.

EXPLORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE POWER 20 INTERACTIVE AND RATE THE LIST BELOW

CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Natasha Brown. Picture: Supplied by the PSA

The top echelon earns more than the Premier — and is changing.

Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Damien Walker departs on December 20, being replaced by new top dog Rick Persse, the former Treasury undersecretary.

This list is the seventh instalment in the countdown to The Advertiser’s annual power rankings with SA’s 100 most influential people of 2024 to be revealed later this month.

In the lead up, The Advertiser will rank the state’s most powerful people across different industries including law, entertainment and sport.

See the top 20 public service rankings and have your say below.