The First Nations Voice Bill 2022 announced by the State Government today is now out for consultation following statewide community engagement with First Nations communities.

In a statement released today, the State Government said the legislation will now be provided to First Nations community members for feedback.

“This forms part of the Malinauskas Government’s commitment to a state-based implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a call from First Nations people across the country for substantial change and reform so First Nations people have a greater say in decision making and are able to express their hopes and aspirations,” the statement read.

The draft bill proposes that a First Nations Voice, known as The State First Nations Voice, would be comprised of a number of representatives of local First Nations people from across the state to advise and address Parliament.

It would see a directly elected ‘Local First Nations Voice’ established in regions around the state.

The number of members and regions is yet to be determined but each Local First Nations Voice would have an equal number of male and female members and have its election process managed by the Electoral Commission of South Australia.

The voice will be able to address Parliament on particular legislation of interest to Aboriginal people, make an annual address to Parliament, provide reports to Parliament on matters of interest and engage Ministers and chief executives about department budgets and priorities in annual meetings.

Community “engagement” will be held from 17 November until 6 January 2023 to “refine” the legislation before the bill is introduced to State Parliament in 2023.

Inaugural Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius, will be seeking feedback from First Nations people across South Australia over the coming weeks and said his engagement report released today shows First Nations people want to be involved in decision-making.

“My report captures the resounding message I heard in these conversations – First Nations people in South Australia want to have a say in their affairs based on the principle of self-determination,” Agius said.

“They want to be able to influence the decisions being made about them at the highest of levels – in the Parliament.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Attorney General Kyam Maher said the draft bill will empower First Nations South Australians and better inform the Parliament.

“By establishing this First Nations Voice to State Parliament, the Government recognises and respects Aboriginal people as the State’s first peoples as well as their collective wisdom, which is needed to help make decisions that are in their best interests,” Maher said.

“For too long, decisions have been made for Aboriginal people, and not by Aboriginal people.”

People can also have their say on the bill through the yourSAY website from November 17.