Welcome — this is our opportunity
In 2023, the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament was established.
The SA First Nations Voice will be made up of community members, elected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia, to represent their communities and provide advice on laws, policies, and programs through direct line of communication with key decision-makers.
This will enable more informed and inclusive decision-making about the issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.
The SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election is the process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia to elect these representatives.
How do I participate?
- ENROL through the Australian Electoral Commission before 5:00 pm on 12 February 2024
- NOMINATE as a candidate from 22 January 2024
- VOTE on 16 March 2024
SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election and the Federal Voice Referendum - what's the difference?
The Federal Referendum and the SA First Nations Voice to South Australian Parliament are 2 separate but related initiatives. While the 2 initiatives have different scopes and objectives, they share a common goal of promoting greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation and self-determination in decision-making and development of laws, policies, and programs.
The SA First Nations Voice to Parliament
The SA First Nations Voice to Parliament is a state-level initiative and is being led by the South Australian government in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It aims to provide a connected, direct and independent line of communication to South Australia's Parliament and the government, to allow important, shared communication by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in South Australia. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in South Australia can vote (and nominate as a candidate) in the election.
Voting in the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election
The SA First Nations Voice To Parliament Election will be held on Saturday 16 March 2024. Eligible South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be voting to choose their representatives in the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament. Only eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in South Australia can vote (and nominate as a candidate) in the election.
The ballot paper will have the names of candidates running for election and voters have to number their preferred candidates in order of preference. Voting in the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election is not compulsory.
The Federal Voice Referendum
The Federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament refers to the proposal for a constitutionally enshrined advisory body (Voice) to the Federal Parliament. A national referendum is required to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution. If the referendum is successful, the Federal Government will commence work to design the Federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, informed by a series of design principles.
Voting in The Federal Voice Referendum
The date of the referendum is yet to be set. It is expected to be held in late 2023 before the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament Election. All Australian citizens aged over 18 must vote in the Federal Voice Referendum. The ballot paper will have a question on the proposed alteration to the Australian Constitution. To vote, you will write Yes or No inside the box on your ballot paper. Voting in the referendum is compulsory for all Australians over 18.
Find out more about the Federal Voice Referendum
