Elections will be held for each of South Australia’s six Local First Nations Voices, with a strong field of candidates putting up their hands to be a part of the historic First Nations Voice to State Parliament.

The Electoral Commission of South Australia held the Declaration of Nominations today, with 113 candidates declared as nominees for positions on the Local Voices.

Sufficient nominations have been received for all six regions, with elections to occur in every region. 55 per cent of the candidates are female.

The inaugural First Nations Voice will provide a direct line of communication between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around South Australia and key decision-makers, including State Parliament, the South Australian Government, and heads of government agencies.

The body will be made up of six Local Voices, with the Presiding Members of each Local Voice to represent their region on the statewide body.

Elections will be held on Saturday, March 16, with early voting commencing from Wednesday, March 6.

Quotes

Attributable to Kyam Maher

The First Nations Voice to State Parliament is a new way of doing things that we hope will lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in South Australia.

It’s clear that enforcing decisions from the top down, without meaningful input and discussion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, hasn’t worked and does not help to address the disproportionate level of disadvantage experienced.

Listening to what these communities have to say, and factoring that voice into our decision making, can lead to better outcomes not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for the broader South Australian community as a whole.

I’d encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to learn about the candidates announced today and make their vote count come polling day.

Attributable to Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius

Engaging with communities, as both the legislation and the model were developed through consultation. I’ve been impressed by the wide variety of people who are clearly passionate about improving the lives of Aboriginal South Australians.

What we’ve seen today is a tremendous group of people who want us all to do better when it comes to the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their communities.

I’d like to commend all of those who have chosen to nominate and wish them all the best as they campaign to be a part of this incredible, once-in-a-generation opportunity.