South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will head to the polls tomorrow to shape the makeup of South Australia’s historic First Nations Voice to State Parliament.
113 candidates have nominated for the 46 positions available on the six Local Voices, with the Presiding Members of each Local Voice to comprise the State Voice – a body that will be able to connect with the highest levels of decision making in South Australia.
The advisory body will be able to make representations to State Parliament and talk with the State Government and Government agency heads about policies that impact the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in South Australia.
Polling booths will close at six o’clock Saturday, with counting beginning on Monday March 25.
As put by Kyam Maher
This is a significant moment for South Australia’s First Nations People – a chance to participate in a democratic election to determine who will act as their Voice to State Parliament, State Government and the heads of Government agencies.
I’m looking forward to seeing South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have their say.
I wish candidates all the best and look forward to meeting successful candidates once counting has concluded.
As put by Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius
Throughout the consultation sessions, the nomination period and now through pre-polling, it has been truly inspiring to see how many South Australian First Nations people have been ready to step forward and have their say.
They’ve had a say on how our First Nations Voice should work, they’ve put their hands up to be candidates and now they get to shape this historic body that will be working to improve outcomes for Aboriginal communities around the state.
This is an exciting time for Aboriginal communities and I believe that the level of engagement between decisionmakers and the Voice can only benefit our state.
