Indigenous voice hails wins and decries political foes

Detailed summary

Australia's first Indigenous voice is confronting uncomfortable truths and achieving meaningful change, one of its leading members says.

The first Indigenous voice to parliament is achieving meaningful progress despite being used as a political football, state MPs have been told.

At a special joint sitting of the South Australian parliament on Thursday, the SA First Nations Voice reported on its work and successful advocacy to the government, including reintegration support for prisoners.

In 2023, SA became the first state to establish a voice to parliament for Indigenous representation to government.

Its legislation was passed about seven months before the failed referendum to introduce a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous voice to federal parliament.

Joint presiding member Leeroy Bilney told MPs the SA voice's advocacy had gained the attention of decision makers, influenced policy discussions and contributed to action by the government.

"Our work is leading to change and I would hope that even those members who question our very existence can see the value of our work on the ground and the initiatives that we are championing," he said in parliament.

Since the 2026 state election, the voice had provided advice and submissions on four pieces of legislation, including "clear and unequivocal" opposition to a Liberal bill to repeal voice legislation.

One Nation's seven SA MPs, who supported the Liberal bill, did not attend Thursday's address and Mr Bilney said he was "not at all" disappointed by their absence.

"I think that speaks more to them and their character and their beliefs, which is not one of South Australians and the people of South Australia and what they believe in," he said outside parliament.

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