IPAA SA

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

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 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/

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/