2025 Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon – Event Wrap

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, IPAA SA welcomed public sector professionals to the 2025 Economic Outlook Luncheon for a timely and energised conversation about the State Budget and its impact on South Australia.

Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri opened the event, introducing interviewer Ali Clarke and guest speaker The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP, Treasurer of South Australia. Together, they delivered a lively and insightful interview that unpacked the priorities and pressures shaping the 2025 to 2026 Budget.

The Treasurer outlined significant investments in healthcare, housing, and community safety, offering real-world context on how these commitments would reach South Australians. He spoke to the planned growth of sworn police numbers and detailed reforms in early childhood education, including the introduction of three-year-old preschool and efforts to build sector capability.

The conversation also turned to regional resilience, emergency preparedness, and support for communities facing increasing environmental and economic challenges. The Treasurer touched on the State’s digital transformation agenda and the importance of strengthening internal workforce capability to ensure public services remain responsive and future-focused.

One of the key moments of the session was the discussion on the Whyalla Steelworks rescue. Positioned as a pivotal step in the State’s broader economic transformation, the Treasurer framed it as both a safeguard for local jobs and a strategic commitment to South Australia’s industrial future.

Throughout the session, audience members were invited to shape the conversation in real-time by submitting live questions via Slido, adding even more depth and relevance to the dialogue.

For the full gallery, check out the photos below.

Learn about our speakers

Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP

Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP
State Member for Lee

The Treasurer is the Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP.

Stephen was appointed Minister for Police in January 2025, Defence and Space Industries in April 2024 and appointed Treasurer in the Labor Government in March 2022.

Stephen was first elected as the Member for Lee in the South Australian Parliament in 2014.

In 2014, he was appointed the Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, and in 2016 added the portfolios of Housing and Urban Development.

Prior to entering the Parliament, Stephen led Deloitte’s economics team in Adelaide between 2010-2013 providing economic advice to corporate clients, the non-profit sector and state and federal governments.

Stephen is a proud western suburb resident, is married to Antonia and they have three children Benjamin, Isaac and Olivia

Erma Ranieri PSM FIPAA

IPAA SA President, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment
South Australian Public Sector

Appointed on 1 July 2014, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri works passionately towards creating a world-leading public sector that serves South Australians well, does what it says it will do, and to which every public servant is proud to belong.

With the role of the public sector being to serve and support South Australia to thrive, Erma leads sector-wide reform to modernise the public sector and continue to build on its value and service to the South Australian community.

Erma has worked for more than 30 years to help organisations optimise productivity and employee wellbeing. She was named a 2014 Telstra Business Woman of the Year as SA Winner of the Telstra Community and Government Award for her role in leading transformational change throughout the public sector.

With a key focus on flexibility, diversity and leadership development to ensure the public sector is positioned as an Employer of Choice, Erma continues to challenge cultural and structural barriers to drive innovative, collaborative and connected services for the community.

Ali Clarke

Media personality, Host and MC
Former ABC and Mix 102.3 Radio Presenter

Ali Clarke is one of South Australia’s most respected and recognisable broadcasters, with over two decades of experience across ABC Radio, Mix 102.3 and commercial media. Known for her warmth, intelligence and clarity, she has built a career telling the stories that shape public conversation, particularly around politics, policy and the issues that impact our communities.

She brings a natural ability to connect with audiences, guide meaningful discussions and unpack complex ideas with confidence and care. Her work spans journalism, facilitation, public speaking and media strategy, making her a sought-after voice in both media and public life.

A much-loved MC and facilitator, Ali faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 with courage and grace. Now healthy and thriving, she runs her own media and communications consultancy, continuing to contribute to the public conversation with the same integrity and passion she’s always brought to the mic.

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2025 Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon