The State Government has welcomed the historic milestone of the inaugural meeting of the State Voice and appointment of Tahlia Wanganeen and Leeroy Bilney as Presiding Members of South Australia's First Nations Voice to State Parliament.
The State Voice - comprising the 12 Presiding Members from each of the six Local Voices and appointed by their peers - met for the first time in Adelaide this week, mapping out how it intends to operate as it advocates on behalf of Aboriginal communities of South Australia.
Tahlia Wanganeen was elected to the Central region and is known for her leadership and community advocacy. Ms Wanganeen currently serves as the Chairperson of the South Australian NAIDOC committee and has held professional roles to champion the rights of Aboriginal people in South Australia.
Leeroy Bilney was elected to the West and West Coast region and has played a significant role in improving the outcomes of Aboriginal people. Mr Bilney is an aspiring leader advocating and supporting Aboriginal people in Ceduna and surrounding communities.
The Members of the State Voice and Presiding Members of each Local Voice are:
| Region | Presiding Member |
|---|---|
| Central | Douglas Clinch |
| Tahlia Wanganeen* | |
| Far North | Mark Campbell |
| Melissa Thompson | |
| Flinders and Upper North | Rob Singleton |
| Candace Champion | |
| Riverland and South East | Danni Smith |
| Rob Wright | |
| West and West Coast | Cecelia Cox |
| Leeroy Bilney* | |
| Yorke and Mid-North | Raymond Wanganeen |
| Joy Makepeace |
More information on the First Nations Voice to State Parliament can be found at www.firstnationsvoice.sa.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Kyam Maher
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 decision-makers, make better and more informed decisions that will strengthen our state.
I congratulate the members of the State Voice and its two newly elected presiding members and I look forward to working with them as we collectively embark on this historic journey.