We sit down with an inaugural Presiding Member of South Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament, who explains what the Voice is, what it hopes to achieve, and how non-Aboriginal people can be part of the change.
The South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament is a groundbreaking initiative that provides a direct line of communication for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the state’s parliament and government. For Leeroy, it’s a crucial step on the path towards equality.
“I think people are starting to listen from their hearts rather than their heads. The Voice is an example of that. It’s an important step forward,” he says.
“We’re a multicultural nation. If we want to see Australia great and want to see South Australia great, this Voice is part of that whole coming together and working in collaboration. In order to do that, you’ve got to learn to understand one another. It’s not rocket science. It’s just relationships.”
What is South Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament?
The First Nations Voice to Parliament in South Australia is a representative body elected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It aims to provide a direct line of communication to the state’s parliament and government, ensuring that the voices of First Nations people are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. The Voice is advisory in nature, meaning it does not have veto powers but can offer independent advice on policies and laws affecting First Nations communities.
In March 2023, the South Australian Parliament passed the First Nations Voice Act, officially establishing the Voice. The first election for the Voice was held on 16 March, 2024, marking a historic moment for the state’s First Nations people. The members of the Voice have now met for the first time and Leeroy says the way forward is starting to take shape.
“At the moment, the Voice delegates are talking to their communities across the state to understand what their priorities are, and the commonalities and differences in priorities across the regions,” he says. “It’s going to be interesting to see what comes out of that.”
What the Voice means to Leeroy
Leeroy believes that the Voice can help to break down barriers and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
“The Voice is a form of recognition for our mob, especially in South Australia,” he says.
“I think that is the big deal, even though we might not see it or feel it yet, because we’re at the start of this journey.
“As things start to happen, we’ll see the difference it makes. We’re still figuring out the details of our dialogue with government, but that’s what makes this all interesting. It’s exciting, but also a bit overwhelming in a good way.
“Just bringing us into that parliamentary space is a step forward. That’s something quite new to me – I’m no groomed politician or bureaucratic person, but I think there’s something unique and special about us just coming from community and bringing that to the table.”
SA leads the way
Leeroy says it’s great to see South Australia leading the way in establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament. He sees this as a testament to the state’s commitment to progress and its willingness to embrace change.
“South Australia isn’t new to doing things like this. I think that’s something that all South Australians should be proud of because we’re not just being stagnant or ordinary here, we’re trying to advance ourselves. That’s something to be shared and celebrated.”
“If you’re not brave enough to risk taking these steps, to make these decisions and make things happen, then you can’t expect to grow.”
Leeroy’s journey so far
Leeroy is a proud Marlinyu Ghoorlie, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning, Noongar and Barngala person. Born in Port Lincoln, he has lived most of his life in Ceduna in the Aboriginal community Tia Tuckia.
Over the years, Leeroy has worn many hats as an innovator and advocate for SA’s West Coast region and the wider First Nations community. His diverse background includes a stint in the performing arts, where he co-wrote and starred in the musical The New Black alongside Ernie Dingo.
“I’ve done a lot of other things, working in different spaces in the private sector and on state and federal government committees,” he says.
As well as raising four children with his wife, Leeroy is currently the chairperson of the Spinifex Foundation South Australia, set up to establish the first community informed and led model of philanthropic funding for SA’s First Nations communities.
A passionate health advocate
Leeroy has focused his passion for positive change in the health sector, where he has been instrumental in addressing health disparities faced by Aboriginal people. His career has included positions as interim Chief Executive Officer of Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation, Director of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia.
“When I look at a lot of our people, they’re dying or getting ill from things that could be prevented or slowed down,” he says. “A lot of the chronic illnesses that are consuming our people and giving them shorter lives can be stopped with preventative health and lifestyle. That might sound like an easy fix, but it’s not.”
Challenges to overcome
Leeroy says that achieving equality and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will require overcoming challenges, and the Voice is one more platform to help that happen.
He points to the ongoing disparities in health, education and the justice system as
“the big three areas” that require urgent attention, because “too many Aboriginal people are still falling through the gaps”.
A holistic approach
Leeroy also emphasises the need for a holistic approach to addressing the complex issues facing Aboriginal communities. “When we think of health and well-being, it’s holistic. It’s not just about the person’s physical and mental health; it’s also spiritual, the land, and everything in that environment,” he says.
“You can broaden that out to all the systems – housing, education, the justice system – that also impact individuals and their families. They’re all part of that holistic well-being.
“But the way we operate right now is in silos, and separating everything, rather than realising they are all interconnected. There are initiatives out there, but people don’t always know about them or how to access them.”
Next gen hope for the future
Despite the challenges, Leeroy remains optimistic. “You have to be positive about the future,” he says. “I’m hopeful that things will change, because I want my kids to live in a better world.”
He says optimism for the future should be shared by all South Australians “because there is hope with the younger generation”.
“I feel like they just get it. It’s deadly to watch them in action. The new young people who are stepping up already understand why it makes sense to have the Voice, and then they’ll just take it to another level.”
“I think when the next gen is involved in running the place, I’m hopeful that you’ll see a much better country. I think that’s going to be thrilling.”
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The Voice: Not just parliament
Leeroy believes that the Voice will resonate not just through the corridors of parliamentary power, but out across the nation.
“I’m hopeful that it could send a symbol out to the people of South Australia and Australia to go out there and make these connections and build these relationships so people have a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture, knowledge and experience,” he says.
“I think any chance to get people to choose positivity and come on the journey is a great thing. So the Voice would be another platform that I think can not only encourage it but start embedding some real pathways for it as well.”
Leeroy believes that education and understanding are key to achieving reconciliation and creating a better future for all Australians. He encourages non-Aboriginal people to take the initiative to learn about Aboriginal culture and history.
“I want to see my kids live in a future where there’s cultural harmony, based on the country that you want, and that means acknowledging and respecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live here.
“When everyone understands that, I think this can happen, especially when our differences as Aboriginal people are not seen as a deficit but as an advantage or value added.”
The importance of solidarity
“We Aboriginal people, we need people to work with us, and stand in solidarity with us. That can happen anywhere – it could happen in people’s local communities, getting involved and understanding what Aboriginal people are doing in your space, or by talking to Aboriginal players through your football club, or whatever it is that gives you a chance to build relationships with Aboriginal people where you live. These are things that people can do. You might not change the world, but you can change one little part.”
“So, non-Aboriginal people: Go and immerse yourself in community, and actually go with an open mind and a heart – then you’ll understand why all this is so important and what needs to change.
“These are the small things that you can do that will still contribute to creating a better future.”
Find out more about the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament here.
