South Australia becomes the first state to introduce First Nations Voice to parliament

A crowd of thousands gathered on the steps of parliament to witness the historic passing of the first state-based Voice to parliament.

A crowd thousands gathered on the steps of the South Australian parliament to witness the historic passage of the first state-based Voice to parliament.

On Sunday, the Bill passed through both the lower and upper house unopposed as thousands stood out in the rain to watch the momentous occasion.

The rainy conditions did not deter the thousands of onlookers who gathered to celebrate the Bill’s passage. The festivities involved a performance by Aboriginal singer-songwriter Nathan may, and smoking ceremony by Elder Mougy Sumber.

President of the Legislative Council, Terry Stephens, as well as Commissioner for the First Nations Voice Dale Agius, brought the bill before the South Australian Governor, Frances Adamson, for assent.

Thousands gathered outside the state parliament to celebrate the passage. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“It is my pleasure as South Australia’s 36th governor to give assent to the First Nations Voice Bill 2023,” she said.

“Today I restate my commitment to supporting recognition in our state, and working side-by-side with Aboriginal people and non Aboriginal people to achieve this goal.”

She said the process of royal assent is normally private.

“But today, for the very best of reasons took place in front of you all.”

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.

It followed two rounds of extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities, organisations, and people conducted by Mr Agius.

“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,” the commissioner said.

Indigenous leader Michael O’Brien congratulates Premier Peter Malinauskas after the Government of South Australia passes the nation’s first Voice to parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“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.”

In the coming weeks, Mr Agius will visit communities to discuss the Voice and inform people about the next steps, such as enrolling to vote and nominating to be a representative.

Premier Peter Malinauskas haled the Bill’s passage as a “momentous occasion” for South Australia.

“ I am proud that South Australia is leading the country with its first Nations Voice, and I look forward to working with the Voice to strengthen our work in closing the gap of First Nations disadvantage,” he said.

More to come.