Today marks a historic moment for South Australia as the First Nations Voice to Parliament delivers its inaugural address in the Legislative Council chamber at 11am. Leeroy Bilney, Presiding Member of the First Nations Voice to Parliament, will present the address, which signifies a crucial step in the state’s commitment to enhancing Aboriginal governance and representation.
The First Nations Voice to Parliament in South Australia has already started contributing to state governance, having provided input on several pieces of legislation. These contributions include feedback on Early Childhood Development and Preventative Health bills. The Voice is also set to offer formal input into the ongoing Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
This advisory entity has made significant strides since its formation, having met with both the State Cabinet and the Chief Executives of government agencies for the first time on November 7th. The structure of the State Voice consists of two presiding members from each of the six Local Voices. Both the State Voice and the six Local Voices have held three meetings each to date.
Kyam Maher, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, commented on the occasion, stating, “This is a significant moment in our State and Parliament’s history.”
“The Government welcomes the advice from the First Nations Voice to inform the development of legislation and policies.
“I congratulate the State Voice for its significant work so far, and I look forward to the inaugural address to State Parliament.”
The establishment of the First Nations Voice to Parliament aligns with broader national movements towards increasing Indigenous participation in governmental decision-making processes. This initiative not only aims to ensure that Aboriginal people have a more direct say in the laws and policies that affect them but also seeks to address long-standing issues of representation and consultation.
South Australia’s proactive approach in instituting the First Nations Voice to Parliament serves as an integral part of ongoing efforts to recognise and integrate the unique perspectives and rights of Aboriginal communities into mainstream political and societal structures.
Today’s proceedings in the South Australian Parliament will be closely watched by many as a critical advancement in the relationship between the state government and its First Nations communities.
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