South Australia’s inaugural First Nations Voice to Parliament elections have been finalised after Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders took to the polls on Saturday, March 16.

Voting was voluntary and only open to the state’s First Nations population.

Successful Yorke and Mid North candidates are Raymond Wanganeen, Doug Milera, Joy Makepeace, Kaylene O’Loughlin, Denise Wanganeen, Quentin Agius and Eddie Newchurch.

There were 129 formal votes cast for the local candidates, the last elected member achieving the position with six first preference votes.

The seven Local First Nations Voice members will now choose two of their number to join the SA First Nations Voice alongside representatives from the state’s five other regions.

“The First Nations Voice to State Parliament is a new way of doing things we hope will lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in South Australia,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said.

“It’s clear enforcing decisions from the top down, without meaningful input and discussion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, hasn’t worked and does not help to address the disproportionate level of disadvantage experienced.

“Listening to what these communities have to say, and factoring that voice into our decision making, can lead to better outcomes not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for the broader South Australian community as a whole.”

It is expected the Voice will be operational by the end of the year. 

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 3 April 2024.