‘This is a new and unprecedented reform’: SA First Nations Voice to Parliament ramping up with elections a month away

Indigenous South Australians planning to nominate for the First Nations Voice to Parliament have been warned a critical moment is approaching fast. See how it will work.

Indigenous South Australians intending to vote in the upcoming state-based Voice to Parliament have less than a week left to enrol or nominate to be a candidate with next Monday being the cut off date.

Voters will then head to the polls on March 16 to elect a 46-member representative body that will cover six regions across the state.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher said there was “growing awareness” amongst the community about the upcoming election but there were still challenges ahead.

“We recognise this is a new and unprecedented reform for our state so there are certainly challenges ahead in the coming months to drive further awareness and participation,” he said.

“Undertaken by the Commissioner for First Nations Voice, this legislation was informed by the most extensive Aboriginal community consultation in South Australia.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher and Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius at Victoria Square. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“As reflected in the Commissioner’s engagement reports, we know that the best outcomes are achieved by listening to the people impacted by government decisions.

“I encourage all South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a passion for their communities and a desire to see better outcomes to nominate for these important roles.”

Each region will have seven elected members except for the Central (Adelaide) region, which will have eleven elected members due to a higher population.

The six regions will be called Local Voices, and each Local Voice will choose two presiding members that will go on to make up the State First Nations Voice.

The State First Nations Voice will be made up of 14 members and will form state-wide views and positions that represent the diversity of First Nations people in SA, which the Voice will present to state parliament, ministers and chief executives.

A spokesperson from the Electoral Commission of South Australia said people intending to vote or nominate should not leave it too late.

“This is the last chance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to enrol or nominate in the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament Election,” the spokesperson said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on the South Australian electoral roll can vote to choose people to represent their community for the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament.

“Any South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over 18 who is on the electoral roll can nominate to run as a candidate for their Local First Nations Voice as long as they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.”