Add Category
"Can we stay on the same path?": that is the question South Australia's Voice to Parliament state presiding member posed to politicians in his first address.
Leeroy Bilney walked through the state's upper house to applause from members of the inaugural Voice to Parliament, who travelled from as far as the remote APY Lands to the south-east of the state.
"There has never been an elected member to this parliament whose origin story begins in the storylines of First Nations people of South Australia … it's about us, not with us."
Now, he said they have an opportunity to change the past, reflecting on the many policies that have caused hurt since federation, acknowledging nearly all in the Voice had connections to a reserve or mission, and some were Stolen Generations members.
Leeroy Bilney wants First Nations people to feel hopeful of the Voice's ability to create meaningful change. (ABC News: Stephanie Boltje)
The Marlinyu Ghoorlie, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning, Noongar and Barngarla man explained they had no rulebooks to follow beyond the legislation that set up the Voice.
"We were building the plane and flying it at the same time," he said.
"And then we needed to start talking to our communities to understand their views, to learn about what mattered and how best we can convey those messages to you."
More than 60 per cent of South Australians voted against a Voice to Parliament enshrined in the constitution at a federal level, but the government remained committed to establishing the legislated state body.
"We are fortunate that this legislation passed before the referendum vote, I realise there is every likelihood we would not be here if government had waited until after the referendum," the presiding member acknowledged.
Members of the SA Voice met with Kyam Maher. (ABC News: Stephanie Boltje)
In the eight months since they were elected they have held 18 local meetings, three state meetings, met with cabinet ministers and with agency CEOs.
The state Voice has provided advice on four bills that impact the lives of First Nations people, altering two – the Preventative Health and Office of Early Childhood Development bills.
The body will also offer their experiences on the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
The presiding member told politicians from across the political spectrum the group carried "a heavy burden" to prove themselves, but said they were dedicated to the task.
"We come here today knowing the work we do to close the gap of knowledge must be done with evidence and truth telling," Mr Bilney said.
He called on politicians to take on board their cultural knowledge.
"We are determined to prove you wrong, because we believe in a better future, a future where we can each put our differences aside and work together constructively."
SA Attorney-General Kyam Maher listened to Voice members in a closed meeting. (ABC News: Stephanie Boltje)
The Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher said the government would consider making any changes needed to help the Voice, including boosting renumeration for Voice members.
"I think from what we've seen today, the determination of elected members of the Voice will show its worth and will show that we can improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by listening."
But Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia remains "sceptical" about the process and would not rule out axing the process altogether if elected to government in 2026.
He has yet to meet with the Voice members.
"We have a fundamental objection when it comes to dividing people, when it comes to a body like that that's been created on the basis of one group, we don't want that to be divisive," Mr Tarzia said.
He said there were already agencies having conversations with Elders about issues that impacted Indigenous Australians.
"We don't want to see unnecessary duplication. We want to see outcomes," he said.
Ahead of the speech, 28 of the 42 current members gathered in Adelaide to discuss their progress, challenges, and path ahead.
Danni Smith is the new presiding member for the state Voice. (ABC News: Marco Catalano)
Eastern Arrernte, Gurindji, Kaurna, Narungga Nukunu and Ngarrindjeri woman Danni Smith has taken up the vacant role of presiding member after Tahlia Wanganeen resigned from the body.
Ms Wanganeen was one of four members who resigned, previously telling the ABC the model was "unsustainable".
"None of us sort of knew what we were stepping into," Ms Smith said.
"I believe that it can always improve … I think it's set up as a catalyst of change for mob.
"We might not see it in the next generation, but our grandkids will certainly see the difference from what the Voice is able to do in the state."
She said they could always do with more resources, and support for the Voice secretariat.
"For me, it's not about money," the mother and grandmother told the ABC's Indigenous Affairs Team.
"No one's going to say 'no' to more resources … but I think we can make do. We're resilient people, so we make do with what we've got."
Adnyamathanha elder Uncle Charles Jackson told the ABC that he would be taking time "to weigh up his options".
Denise Wanganeen says while she is supportive of the Voice, she is concerned about the lack of progress so far. (ABC News: Marco Catalano)
Denise Wanganeen, from Point Pearce in the Yorke Peninsula, said she is supportive of the Voice but is frustrated by the slow progress and concerned her advocacy is not heard.
"I got on here because I thought I was going to fight for the right things," she said.
"We have got a chance to change the course of history in this country by taking back what's ours, and that's our children.
"I feel it's failing because we are not hitting the target I thought we were going to deal with, and that's with our kids incarcerated, that's rehab for our mothers."
Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner says he wants to see the group work together. (ABC News: Marco Catalano)
Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Major 'Moogy' Sumner said it was up to the group to drive their success.
"You get a brand new car, you have to learn how to use that car," he said.
"You just can't jump in straight away and expect it to … do everything you want."
"What we have to do is, we have to get together and pull together."
The Attorney-General's department told the ABC that work was still underway to address how the four positions would be filled and if supplementary elections were needed for all vacant roles.
Meanwhile, Leeroy Bilney had a message for mob across the state: "do not be discouraged, for today is a great day to be a First Nations person in South Australia."