Australian state and territory Indigenous voices are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory bodies established by some of the Parliaments of the Australian states and territories. These bodies play an important role in advising governments on policies and programs that affect Indigenous Australians, and in representing Indigenous interests in public debate.
State and territory Indigenous advisory bodies are typically established under legislation, and their members are democratically elected by First Nations communities. The membership of these bodies is usually made up of representatives from a range of Indigenous organizations and communities. The specific roles and responsibilities of state and territory Indigenous advisory bodies vary.
New South Wales
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is open to implementing a Voice to Parliament for the state's First Nations people, regardless of the outcome of the federal referendum on the issue.
Victoria
In November 2019, the inaugural First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria was formed and elected, consisting of 21 members representing Aboriginal Victorians, elected from five different regions in the state, and 10 members to represent each of the state's formally recognised traditional owner corporations, excluding the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, who declined to participate in the election process.
The main aim of the Assembly is to work out the rules by which individual treaties will be negotiated between the Victoria State Government and individual Aboriginal peoples. It will also establish an independent "umpire", the Treaty Authority, to oversee the negotiations between the Aboriginal groups and the Victoria State Government and ensure fairness. It will also establish a fund to help negotiations are take place on an even financial footing among the various groups, and debate and decide which ideas, laws, policies and rights will be the subject of treaty negotiations.
The Assembly meets in the chamber of the Upper House, seat of the Legislative Council. It met for the first time on 10 December 2019, and again met over two days in February 2020. The Assembly hopes to agree upon a framework, umpire and process before November 2022, the date of the next state election. The current Labor government under Daniel Andrews is supportive, but the Coalition had not made a clear commitment to supporting the treaty process.
On 11 July 2020, the Victoria State Government announced that it would establish a truth and reconciliation commission for Aboriginal Australians in Victoria, the first ever in Australia, with the terms of reference to be worked out collaboratively. The 21 elected members of the Assembly would consult with their communities and work with the Victoria State Government to design the process. The announcement was welcomed by the community. The 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart recommended that such a commission should be established across all of Australia.
On 3 August 2020, the Assembly held its first official negotiation meeting with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams.
The Assembly held its second election in 2023, and new co-chairs were elected.
Queensland
In 2023, the Queensland government announced its commitment to establishing a state-based Indigenous Voice to Parliament. This announcement was made in the context of the government's broader Path to Treaty process, which is aimed at building a more just and equitable future for all Queenslanders.
Western Australia
Western Australia does not currently have a state-based Indigenous Voice to Parliament, however it has had an Aboriginal Advisory Council since 1972.
South Australia
In May 2021, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced his government's intention to create the state's first Indigenous Voice to Parliament. After the election of a state Labor government in 2022, new premier Peter Malinauskas pledged to implement this state-based Voice to Parliament, as well as restarting treaty talks and greater investment in areas affecting Aboriginal people in the state. In July 2022 Dale Agius was appointed as the state's first Commissioner for First Nations Voice, with the role commencing in August and responsible for liaising with federal government. Kokatha elder Roger Thomas would continue as Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement for a further six months.