Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians are being urged to step forward and make their voices heard by nominating to represent their communities in the state’s inaugural First Nations Voice to State Parliament.

The advisory body will give South Australia’s First Nations people a direct line of communication with State Parliament, Government agencies and State Cabinet, with nominations now open for people wishing to participate as members of the six Local Voices that will make up the historic body.

To be eligible to nominate and to vote you must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person on the electoral roll in South Australia.

Nominations for the Voice and enrolment to vote are open from today, Monday 22 January until 5pm 12 February, with the elections to be held on 16 March.

South Australia's Local First Nations Voices will be made up of six regions across South Australia.

The state government says these regions were determined after extensive engagement with the community and advice from community leaders and experts.

Five of the six regions will have seven elected members, while the Central region covering the Greater Adelaide area will have 11, due to the higher population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this region.

Kangaroo Island and the southern Fleurieu council areas of Alexandrina, Victor Harbor and Yankalilla fall within Region 4.

The Fleurieu region within the City of Onkaparinga is part of the Central region. 

Each local region will choose two joint presiding members which will then make up the State First Nations Voice.

More information is available on the website savoiceelection.sa.gov.au, with successful nominations to be announced on Monday 26 February.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher says South Australia’s First Nations Voice was legislated in March 2023, and now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the chance to nominate to represent their local community.

“We get the best outcomes by listening to the people impacted by government decisions, and that is exactly what South Australia’s First Nations Voice is about.

“I would urge all South Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with a passion for their communities and a desire to see better outcomes to stand up and nominate for these important roles.”

Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius says it is a first for South Australia’s First Nations people to take a leading role in shaping the future of communities.

“The First Nations Voice to State Parliament is a game changer, where hearing directly from community representatives can make a difference.

“It’s an opportunity to engage with decision makers at the highest level of the State Government and shape the policies that impact our lives.

“Now is the time for people who want to see our communities thrive into the future to stand up to get involved – to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear.”