Office of International Coordination

Role of the Office of International Coordination

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) has established the Office of International Coordination (OIC) as part of its Economic and International Coordination Division, to ensure the State has an integrated and strategic approach to its international activities that align with South Australia’s policy priorities.


The office has established four (4) international ‘desks’ covering:

  • The Americas: United States, South America and Canada
  • China and North East Asia: China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan
  • Greater Europe: United Kingdom, European Union member countries, Russia
  • India and the rest of the World (ROW): South East Asia and Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

These desks are the catalyst for gathering international intelligence and developing links and partnerships with relevant Commonwealth agencies (particularly DFAT), foreign governments and diplomatic networks, influential interlocutors and key advisory bodies, and the private sector.

The OIC’s key services include:

  • country analysis and ‘horizon-scanning’ for ideas and developments from overseas that have potential interest or impact in South Australia;
     
  • assisting the development of integrated, cross-Government strategies for engagement with target countries;
     
  • provision of information and advice to line agencies on drafting and implementing international agreements;
     
  • maintenance of a central knowledge repository of international agreements and interactions with international partners; and monitoring the status and effectiveness of these agreements;
     
  • supporting line agencies to optimise the delivery of incoming and outgoing international missions by assisting with pre/post mission briefings, recommending additional program elements and ensuring the alignment of activities with South Australian policy priorities; and
     
  • delivering on the Government’s University City vision; including the management of existing relationships with international universities, the development of the Torrens Building as an International University Precinct, establishment of the Australian Centre for Hellenic Culture and Language, and the capacity and skills development programs with Timor Leste.

Strong collaboration with line agencies is essential in realising the intended added value of this service, avoiding duplication of effort across government and improving the implementation and effectiveness of international projects, programs and initiatives.

The OIC complements and does not seek to supplant line agencies, who will continue to develop and deliver international engagement within their areas of responsibility, including with regard to the new approach to export development and investment attraction that the Economic Development Board has recommended.

An inter-departmental committee, the International Coordination Steering Group, offers direction to OIC, encourages a more open and contemporary approach to sharing information and insight across agencies, and ensures a planned, strategic and coherent approach to South Australia’s international activities.

For further information contact:

Stephanie Page, Executive Director, Economic and International Coordination
Phone: (08) 8226 1368

Sue McAlister, Executive Assistant, Economic and International Coordination
Phone: (08) 8226 1391