The South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament has held its inaugural meeting.

The State Voice, composed of 12 presiding members from each of the six Local Voices, elected Tahlia Wanganeen and Leeroy Bilney as its presiding members.

Tahlia Wanganeen, representing the Central region, currently serves as the Chairperson of the South Australian NAIDOC committee and has consistently championed the rights of Aboriginal people in South Australia. 

Leeroy Bilney, representing the West and West Coast regions, is an emerging leader dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities, particularly in Ceduna and the surrounding areas.

The State Voice consists of two members from each of the six regions: Central, Far North, Flinders and Upper North, Riverland and South East, West and West Coast, and Yorke and Mid-North. 

This body will engage directly with the state government, public sector chief executives, and the state parliament, advocating on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

SA Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Kyam Maher, said: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians expect a strong, independent Voice to advocate on their behalf to Government, the South Australian Parliament and to the Chief Executives of agencies”. 

“Each of the 12 Local Voice presiding members are respected committed leaders who I know will be steadfast in representing their Aboriginal communities and help us, as parliamentarians and decisionmakers, make better and more informed decisions that will strengthen our state.”

The State Voice aims to address a range of issues, including child protection, criminal justice, and education, by providing a platform for Aboriginal voices in government deliberations. 

One of its first tasks is to establish a six-member Stolen Generations Advisory Committee. 

Additionally, local voices will appoint members to Youth and Elders advisory committees, with nominations for the Native Title Committee coming from native title bodies.

“We are committed to bringing the voices of our communities to government and others so that they are hearing directly from our communities and from people who may not have had a chance to share their views on matters that they care about deeply,” Bilney said. 

The meeting comes four months after the Referendum on a federal Voice failed, with over 64 per cent of South Australians voting against it. 

More further information on the SA First Nations Voice to State Parliament is accessible here.