In response to community concerns about proposed changes at the Museum, the Premier’s Review Panel was established in April 2024 and chaired by the then Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Damien Walker, with expert membership of the Chief Scientist for South Australia Professor Craig Simmons, and Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Museum Dr Jim Thompson PSM.

The Panel reviewed the proposed changes and engaged with stakeholders to explore options for the Museum’s future.

The Panel’s Report was handed down in September 2024 and made six recommendations aimed at building a solid, collaborative governance framework for the Museum, improving stakeholder engagement and supporting future reforms:

1.    Cease all proposed changes

2.    Develop a new Strategic Vision and Plan

3.    Develop a Research Strategy and explore sustainable research models

4.    Develop a Collections Management Plan

5.    Investigate financial and commercial opportunities

6.    Conduct an asset management and infrastructure study

Download the Premier's Review Report.

Implementation of the Review Recommendations

The South Australian Museum has now completed implementation of all six recommendations arising from the Premier's Review.

This work has involved extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders, partners and the broader community and has informed a renewed strategic direction for the Museum.

Implementation and Outcomes Report

The Implementation and Outcomes Report provides an overview of the Museum's response to the Premier's Review, including actions undertaken to implement each recommendation, outcomes achieved, and ongoing work to support delivery of the Museum's strategic priorities.

Download the Implementation and Outcomes Report (PDF)

Outcomes

Implementation of the Review recommendations has resulted in:

• a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030

• a renewed framework for research and collections management

• strengthened stakeholder and community engagement

• consideration of future financial and commercial opportunities

• improved planning for future asset and infrastructure requirements

• a clearer strategic direction for the Museum's future.

Many of these initiatives will continue to be progressed through the implementation of the Museum's Strategic Plan and associated work programs.

Key strategies and plans developed through this process include:

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

The Museum's Strategic Plan provides a clear vision and direction for the organisation over the next five years.

Download the Strategic Plan 2025-2030 (PDF)

Research Strategy

The Research Strategy establishes priorities and opportunities for research excellence, collaboration and impact, supporting the Museum's role as a leading cultural and scientific institution.

Download the Research Strategy 2026-2030 (PDF)

Collection Management Plan

The Collections Management Plan provides a framework for the stewardship, care, access and management of the Museum's collections.

Download the Collection Management Plan 2026-2030 (PDF)

Formal closure of the Review

With the completion of the recommendations and publication of the associated deliverables, the Premier's Review process is now formally closed.

The Museum thanks staff, stakeholders, partners and community members who contributed their time, expertise and perspectives throughout the Review and implementation process.

The Museum remains committed to ongoing engagement and collaboration as it delivers its Strategic Plan and continues to strengthen its contribution to research, culture, education and community life in South Australia.