South Australia's First Nations Voice is a representative, legislatively created elected body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Through the Voice, First Nations people can have their say at the highest levels of decision-making in South Australia on matters, policies and laws, and practices that affect them.
It provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to raise community priorities in a public, transparent and accountable way.
First Nations Voice model
The First Nations Voice is an advisory body. It does not have veto powers or decision-making powers in South Australia's Parliament.
The Voice is made up of 2 levels - Local First Nations Voices (Local Voice) and a State First Nations Voice (State Voice) They will work together but will have different roles and responsibilities.
As an advisory body, the State Voice will be able to speak with government, South Australian public sector chief executives, Cabinet, and make representations to State Parliament about matters that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia.
It will focus on issues within South Australia that can be addressed by the state government. This includes things like:
- employment
- education
- health
- child protection
- housing
- corrections and justice.
The Local Voices and State Voice also have a discretion to engage with other levels of government and organisations.
For example, Local Voices may engage with local government and other organisations and the State Voice has discretion to engage with the Commonwealth, and States and Territories.
If matters are raised with Voice members which concern other levels of government, the First Nations Voice model does allow for these community stories and lived experiences to be heard by other levels of government.
