On the Couch with Rick Persse AM

On Tuesday 11 November, IPAA SA was delighted to host a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Rick Persse AM, Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, as part of a special edition of our On the Couch series.

As South Australia’s most senior public servant, Rick offered a rare and insightful look into his leadership journey and the breadth of experience gained across education, justice, treasury and central agency roles. He spoke openly about guiding DPC through periods of renewal and reform, fostering cultural change, and shaping policy that supports all South Australians.

The session, held under the Chatham House Rule, featured a moderated discussion led by Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services, followed by an engaging Q&A where attendees had the chance to explore themes of leadership, complexity, and cross-government collaboration.

Rick’s reflections provided valuable perspective for public sector professionals at every stage of their careers, offering practical lessons and thoughtful insights into leading with clarity, purpose and adaptability.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event.

Learn about our speakers

Rick Persse

Chief Executive
Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Rick Persse was appointed to lead the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in December 2024.

An accomplished public sector leader, Rick joined the department after a successful period from April 2022 as South Australia’s Under Treasurer leading the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Prior to Treasury, Rick was Chief Executive of the Department for Education for 6 years, after leading the Attorney-General’s Department for 4 years.

With expertise in policy and strategy development, transformation, public sector reform and major project delivery, Rick’s knowledge of public administration comes from an expansive career building and leading teams in the Government of South Australia.

Sandy Pitcher

Chief Executive
Department of Human Services

Sandy is an accomplished public-sector leader, with experience leading agencies to make significant contributions to public policy and deliver outcomes that improve people’s lives.

As Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of Human Services, Sandy is dedicated to promoting inclusion, independence, community support and modern services. Sandy is Chair of the Motor Accident Commission, a board member of the Institute of Public Administration SA and an active member of International Women’s Forum Australia.

Prior to this role, Sandy has served as Deputy Under Treasurer with the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance and Deputy Chief Executive at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in South Australia and Victoria.

Sandy was the inaugural Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing in Victoria, an agency which includes child protection, housing and homelessness, disability, family safety and women’s policy.
Throughout 2020 Sandy led the Victorian COVID-19 response, returning the state to COVID-19 zero.

Sandy first chief executive role was with the SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. She has held executive roles in the SA Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the UK’s Commission for Racial Equality, the South Australian Office for Women, the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

In 2012, Sandy won the Telstra Businesswoman of the year ‘Community and Public Sector’ category, and in 2013 she was inducted as an IPAA National Fellow.

Educated at the University of Adelaide, and Mannum High School, Sandy has degrees in law and the humanities. She is kept busy at home by two children, and an energetic dog, Noodle the Labradoodle.

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Date
11 November 2025