South Australia made history in March, when it passed the First Nations Bill 2023, paving the way to establish Australia's inaugural First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Elections for the First Nations Voice will be held on 9 September 2023, with only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people eligible to stand for the positions and vote in the elections.
Members will be elected for six Local First Nations Voices, with two presiding members from each local voice making up the State First Nations Voice.
The statewide First Nations Voice will have a direct and independent line of communication to the SA Parliament and the Government of South Australia.
The six regions for the Local First Nations Voice were announced on Thursday 11 May, being Far North, West and West Coast, Flinders and Upper North, Yorke and Mid North, Riverland and South East, and Central.
Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius said the Voice to Parliament was a game changer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Our voices from the local community level will be heard directly by regional leaders as well as the leaders in our Parliament and state government,” Commissioner Agius said.
“If you want to be a voice for your local community and want to have a say in deciding who will represent you at the local level, and who will represent us at the State level, now is the time to make sure you are enrolled to vote.
“I would encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in South Australia to check that their details on the Electoral Roll are up to date, or that you enrol in time to nominate and vote. This is an important step to take to be involved in the upcoming election.”
Those wishing to serve on a Local First Nations Voice can nominate from 17 July - 7 August, ahead of the September elections.
The Electoral Commission will soon be holding information sessions for prospective candidates ahead of nominations opening.
To find out how the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament model will work, click here.
For more information, visit the First Nations Voice to Parliament website.
