The State Government is taking further steps toward reconciliation in South Australia, with the 2026-27 State Budget investing $8.5 million over four years to establish a Commission to undertake Truth-Telling and progress Treaty activities.
The Government has committed to the implementation of a South Australian response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart – following the key themes of Voice, Truth and Treaty. The Government has successfully established a First Nations Voice to State Parliament which has advocated for the implementation of a Commission.
The Commission will be headed by Aboriginal leaders who can provide cultural authority and independent oversight, as the body progresses this important work to acknowledge and recognise the history and experience of Aboriginal South Australians, and also lays the foundation for future Treaty activities.
Work on establishing the Commission will commence in earnest in the new financial year.
As put by Kyam Maher
This Government remains committed to reconciliation in South Australia and listening to the voices of Aboriginal communities.
In discussions with the Government and in its 2025 annual address to Parliament, the First Nations Voice renewed its call for an establishment of a Commission for Truth-telling and Treaty.
Truth-telling is an essential step forward in the reconciliation process. It will enable Aboriginal people to tell the stories of their community’s experiences with past government policies and social norms, to help build common understanding across the state.
This investment will support further work toward Treaty, a formal agreement between the State Government and Aboriginal South Australians aiming to close the gap and improve outcomes in health, education, economic development and other areas.
These measures are about delivering meaningful change and achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal South Australians.
We were the first jurisdiction in Australia to establish a First Nations Voice to State Parliament – and its advice on a number of key issues is already making a significant difference in a range of key areas, including justice, policing, health and wellbeing.
We can only truly move forward by acknowledging and recognising the history and experience of Aboriginal people, and with a shared goal of learning from the mistakes of the past to support healing and a better future for all South Australians.
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