South Australia is the first Australian State to introduce the First Nations Voice Bill, which will likely be legislated by the state’s parliament by Easter.
The state’s Attorney-General and Indigenous Australians Minister Kyam Maher, who introduced the First Nations Voice Bill 2023 (pdf) on Feb. 9, said the Bill was an “historic change” following months of engagement with Indigenous and the broader communities.
“We can become the first jurisdiction in the nation to legislate for a Voice to Parliament and Government for First Nations people—empowering them to shape decisions, instead of being subject to them,” Maher said.
“Historically, South Australia has led the nation in reforms and legislation for First Nations people. It is a proud cross-partisan tradition that we seek to build on today….