Anniversary of South Australia’s First Voice Election

16 March 2024

On 16 March 2024, South Australia held its inaugural First Nations Voice to Parliament election. The anniversary marks the election of representatives to the state’s legislated Voice system.

Electing First Nations representatives

The Electoral Commission of South Australia records the polling date. It should be distinguished from the law establishing the Voice, the declaration of results and later meetings. Those stages did not all occur on election day.

A state body with a distinct history

The South Australian Voice is different from the national constitutional proposal considered in the 2023 referendum. It is a representative body established through South Australian legislation and organised through Local Voices and a State Voice.

The anniversary can be read alongside the national referendum and the Narungga Buthera Agreement without treating them as interchangeable models. Representation, agreement-making and constitutional change involve different institutions and powers.

The date offers a way to learn about how representatives are chosen and how community views can reach decision-makers. It should not be presented as proof that every First Nations person supported the model or participated in the election. Accurate history can recognise an institutional milestone while examining its design and participation.

Reflecting and learning

Compare polling day with the dates results were declared. What work must happen between casting a vote, forming a representative body and making a representation to Parliament?

Start with the sources below and distinguish the original event from later interpretations and commemorations. When using this date in a classroom or workplace, allow time for questions and further reading. First Nations peoples have diverse histories and perspectives; this brief introduction does not speak for every community.

Sources and further reading

• 2024 South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament — Electoral Commission of South Australia
• South Australia’s First Nations Voice — South Australian Government

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.