Nearly 100 multicultural leaders came together last night at a virtual forum to discuss the historic First Nations Voice to the South Australian Parliament following its introduction in February.
The Attorney-General and SA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher, spoke about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the lengthy consultation process and the Voice to Parliament legislation.
This was followed by a Q&A session with both ministers. Attendees included multicultural leaders from more than 40 organisations.
“South Australia is leading the nation in our delivery of a First Nations Voice to Parliament. It was an honour to present to leaders from South Australia’s multicultural communities and answer their questions about our historic legislation,” Mr Maher said.
“It was pleasing to see South Australia’s diverse multicultural communities come together to show their support for First Nations people.
“We encourage as many South Australians as possible to come out and show their support for the Voice to Parliament at the special sitting of Parliament on March 26 which will be an historic day for our state and the nation.”
SA’s Voice to Parliament will become the first of its kind in Australia. Under the model, the State First Nations Voice will consist of representatives from Local First Nations Voices, and will have the ability to address either house of Parliament on any specific Bill that is of concern to South Australia’s First Nations People.
The Bill is the result of months of work, including two extensive rounds of consultation with Aboriginal communities, people and organisations which was conducted by First Nations Voice Commissioner Dale Agius.
SA Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison MP, added: “We have already had significant interest and support from our multicultural community members for the South Australian Voice to Parliament.”
“I am very pleased that last night we gave our multicultural communities the opportunity to meet with our government and the Attorney-General so that they can familiarise themselves with the Voice to Parliament and then take it back to their communities,” Ms Bettison added.
