2025 Public Sector Excellence Awards

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.

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP was elected to the South Australian Parliament at just 26 years of age, making him one of the youngest Members of Parliament in the State’s history.
He is now the longest-serving MP in the South Australian Parliament, having been re-elected by his community for 29 years as the Member for West Torrens.
Tom currently serves as Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Mining, Minister for Public Sector, and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly. Over his distinguished career, he has also held a broad range of senior portfolios, including Correctional Services, Youth and Volunteers, Gambling, Small Business, State Development, and Transport and Infrastructure.

Early Life and Career
Tom was raised in Adelaide’s western suburbs by his Greek migrant parents, Tony and Toula. He attended Cowandilla and Netley Primary Schools before completing his secondary education at Adelaide High School. He later studied at the University of Adelaide.

He joined the Australian Labor Party at a young age, inspired by Labor stalwart and former Deputy Premier, the late Jack Wright.

Before entering Parliament, Tom worked as a union advocate with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), and later in the office of then Shadow Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.

Public Life and Values
Tom entered Parliament with a strong commitment to making a difference for working people—those who rely on the advocacy and support of a Labor Government. His key passions include job creation, green energy, and strengthening South Australia’s manufacturing sector.

A proud member of the Greek-Australian community, Tom maintains strong ties to his heritage and the western suburbs community he represents.

Personal Life
Tom is married to Anthea, and together they have two daughters, Tia and Helena. The family lives in Torrensville.
Outside of politics, Tom is a passionate supporter of the Liverpool FC.

Summary
With nearly three decades of parliamentary service, Tom Koutsantonis is one of South Australia’s most experienced and respected political figures, known for his dedication to his community, strong economic leadership, and commitment to working families.

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.