South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for First Nations Voice has been appointed ahead of the State Government’s pledge to introduce a Voice to Parliament as early as next year.

Dale Agius will start as the state’s first Commissioner for First Nations Voice next month to help lead the Government’s consultation with Aboriginal groups and lay the foundations for state-based implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

He will also liaise with the new Federal Government, which has committed to implementing the Uluru Statement at a national level.

Mr Agius’ new position follows extensive experience working with Aboriginal community services and initiatives across government and non-government sectors.

His previous roles include Director of Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships within the Department of Human Services, Manager of DHS’ Metropolitan Aboriginal Youth and Family Services, and as Executive Officer in the Office of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement.

The Malinauskas Government has also extended the appointment of Dr Roger Thomas as Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement for a further six months.

Dr Thomas, a senior Kokatha man and respected Elder, has held senior government positions over the past four years – first as Commissioner for Treaty from February 2017 to July 2018, and then as Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement.

He was the inaugural Professor of Indigenous Engagement and Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Adelaide and the Dean of the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies, Wilto Yerlo.

Quotes

Attributable to Kyam Maher

Dale Agius is a Kaurna, Narungga, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri man who has worked at senior levels across government and been heavily involved in community organisations.

Dr Roger Thomas is a senior Kokatha man and respected Elder and has undertaken important work as both Commissioner for Treaty and Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement.

He brings invaluable knowledge in conducting public consultations and negotiations with the Aboriginal community and his long career offers valuable skills for our state.

I look forward to working with both Commissioners on our bold agenda to deliver on the Uluru Statement from the Heart in South Australia and undertake meaningful engagement with Aboriginal people across the state.