Historic day as SA’s Voice legislation passes both houses of parliament

A sea of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags filled the street as SA’s First Nations Voice Bill was officially passed by both houses of parliament on Sunday.

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A rousing applause erupted among a sea of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags after the First Nations Voice Bill was officially passed by both houses of parliament in SA on Sunday.

An estimated 5000 people gathered at the steps of Parliament House to witness the historic event, which culminated with The Bill swiftly passing through both the upper and lower houses. Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was a “momentous piece of legislation for our First Nations People”.

“It has been a long time coming but First Nations voices will now be heard in the State of South Australia,” he said.

He said many people had made “extraordinary efforts and contributions” to get the legislation passed, particularly Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General Kyam Maher, and Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius.

“I acknowledge and indeed completely respect the fact that this legislation hasn’t enjoyed unanimous support within this place, but the debate that has got us to the point where we are today has been extraordinarily civil, considered and courteous and I would like to thank all members for their contribution in that effort,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“Following the passage of today’s legislation, the indigenous Voice to our parliament can be something that all MPs, regardless of their political persuasion, for generations to come can support.”

As the legislation was passed, members of parliament and about 40 people in the public gallery stood and enthusiastically applauded.

A slow start to the Voice to Parliament festivities at Adelaide's Parliament House due the poor weather. Picture: Russell Millard

Police on the ground estimated 5000 people had come out for the special sitting of parliament and public ceremony, despite the initial rainy weather.

The morning included performances from artists including Aboriginal singer-songwriter Nathan May, and a smoking ceremony by Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna Elder Major Moogy Sumner.

The smoking ceremony outside Parliament House. Picture: Twitter/Peter Malinauskas

Indigenous leader Nerida Saunders hugs a friend after the First Nations Voice Bill passes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

The Advertiser Indigenous Affairs Reporter Douglas Smith was on the conversation panel to commence the coverage of parliamentary proceedings, which led to the Bill’s passage within minutes.

Among a number of moving moments was when First Nations representatives, Charlie Jackson, Klyton Wanganeen, Michel O’Brien, Pat Waria Read, Joylene Thomas and Ellen Trevor, walked the Royal Arms copy of the Bill to the Governor. It was placed in Coolamon, a traditional First Nations vessel and symbol of self belief, preservation and resilience.

Speeches by Mr Malinauskas and Aborigial Affairs Minister Kyam Maher were met with cheers, wolf-whistles and “thumbs up” in the air.

“I firmly believe that there are more than a few things that this parliament can learn from the longest, living, continuous culture that the world has ever seen,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“But the Voice isn’t just for prime ministers, premiers and politicians. It’s a call-out to all of us. And we shouldn’t expect that it will all be easy, or that we’ll like everything that we hear. But this is nothing to fear. For diversity of opinion is democracy at its best.

“Today … we become the first (state) to make this important change. A change that ensures our democracy is yet another step closer to achieving the eternal Australian aspiration of a fair go for all – including those who have lived here the longest, the traditional owners of the land.

“From today, in this state, their voices will be heard.”

Lori Plastow and her son Oliver celebrate the historic milestone. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Mr Maher described the momentous occasion as “just the beginning”.

“In decades and centuries gone by the laws of our state … have done so much to deliberately disenfranchise, disempower and disadvantage Aboriginal people,” he said. “Today, we use those laws to do exactly the opposite.

“It’s the first step in our commitment to the full implementation of the Uluru Statement form the Heart.”

Ngarrindjeri Elder Mulla Sumner, 73, said he believed the Voice to Parliament was a “positive step in the right direction”.

“I was a bit iffy at the beginning, but I’m starting to shift,” he said.
“Because I think we gotta get something in there. We say we want a treaty, but everybody is holding back, and at least this way we get our foot in the door.

“We’ve (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) have been to bloody hell and back.”

Jodi Vandenberg, 45, said the speeches made were the “best I’ve ever heard”.

“So long as they do what they’ve said, because there are people in power who say things and they don’t follow through,” she said. “Colonisation was not mentioned once, which was awesome because it wasn’t colonisation – you can’t take something that’s already taken.”

Originally published as Historic day as SA’s Voice legislation passes both houses of parliament