South Australians gathered at Parliament House on Sunday to mark an historic milestone in the State, with the passing of laws to establish a First Nations Voice to State Parliament.
The passing of the First Nations Voice Bill 2023 makes South Australia the first State to enact legislation to deliver a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
A special Sunday sitting was held to mark the passage of the legislation.
Her Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, assented to the legislation on the steps of Parliament House, in the presence of the Premier Peter Malinauskas and Attorney-General and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher.
Aboriginal elders, leaders and community members guided the Bill throughout the day’s formalities, to mark the significant of the legislation.
Premier Malinauskas said this was a testament to the importance of the legislation, and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of our state’s first people and the vital role they play in shaping the future within Parliament.
“The State First Nations Voice will consist of representatives from Local First Nations Voices, and would have the ability to address either house of Parliament on any specific Bill that is of concern to South Australia’s First Nations People,” he said.
“The Bill is the result of months of work, including two extensive rounds of consultation with Aboriginal communities, organisations people conducted by First Nations Voice Commissioner Dale Agius.
“This is a momentous occasion for our state.
“Put simply, our First Nations people deserve the right to have a say on the issues that affect their lives.
“They will now have the opportunity to speak directly to decision makers at the highest levels in this State.
“I am proud that South Australia is leading the country with its first Nations Voice, and I look forward to working with the Voice to strengthen our work in closing the gap of First Nations disadvantage.”
Minister Maher, who grew up in Mount Gambier, said with the passing of the Bill, SA had opened the door for historic change.
“South Australia is leading the nation with a Voice to Parliament in the true sense of the word,” he said.
“Never before has an Australian state or territory given endorsement to a model of this nature.
“For too long, decisions have been made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, and not by them.
“The Voice to Parliament will go a long way in rectifying this wrong.
“The importance of this moment in time cannot be overstated, but we must also acknowledge the work is just beginning.
“We are now working hard to prepare for the first Voice elections to be held later in 2023, including the finalisation of regional boundaries and establishing the framework that will enable a grassroots elected First Nations Voice to proceed with its important work.”
