South Australians have gathered at Parliament House 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. This is 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.
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.
Dale Agius, Commissioner For First Nations Voice, says “Today is a historic day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia. It is the start of an exciting chapter in our state and nation’s history.
“For too long our voices have been excluded or dismissed. From today we have the right to be heard, at the highest level of decision-making in this state.
“After today, more than ever, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia will be able to have their say on the decisions that affect their lives. And more importantly, they will have the chance to share with the Parliament and the Government their aspirations for the future – this is about generational change, to be included and to be heard.”
“Today I pay tribute to the resilience and determination of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have been the driving force behind this historic change for many decades.
“Over the coming weeks I’ll be going back out to community to talk about the model that has been passed, and how people can get involved in the next steps which will include enrolling to vote, nominating to be a representative, and voting for a nominee of their choice.”
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