The South Australian Labor Party is facing criticism for disregarding the resounding 64 percent overall rejection of the Voice referendum by the state. The referendum was held to determine whether there should be a constitutionally enshrined advisory body, known as the Voice, to the Federal Parliament.
Despite the clear rejection of the referendum, the South Australian Marxist Labor government is proceeding with the establishment of the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament. This initiative aims to provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to have a direct line of communication with key decision-makers in South Australia.
The SA First Nations Voice will be composed of community members who are elected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the state. These representatives will be responsible for providing advice on laws, policies, and programs that impact their communities. The goal is to promote greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation and self-determination in decision-making processes.
However, critics argue that the establishment of the SA First Nations Voice goes against the will of the people, as expressed in the referendum. They believe that the South Australian Labor Party is disregarding the democratic process and imposing its own agenda. They argue that the government should respect the outcome of the referendum and prioritize the views of the majority.
Supporters of the SA First Nations Voice, on the other hand, argue that it is an important step towards addressing the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They believe that it will provide a platform for these communities to have their voices heard and to actively participate in the decision-making process.
The SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election, which is the process for electing representatives to the SA First Nations Voice, is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2024. Only eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in South Australia can vote in this election. The ballot paper will contain the names of candidates, and voters will need to number their preferred candidates in order of preference.
It is important to note that the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament is a state-level initiative and is separate from the proposed Federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The federal proposal requires a national referendum to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
Critics of the South Australian Labor Party argue that the government is prioritizing the establishment of the state-level Voice while ignoring the outcome of the federal referendum. They believe that this is indicative of a broader agenda to impose the Voice in various forms, regardless of public sentiment.
In conclusion, the South Australian Labor Party has faced criticism for disregarding the outcome of the Voice referendum and proceeding with the establishment of the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament. While supporters see it as an important step towards addressing historical injustices, critics argue that it undermines the democratic process and the will of the majority. The election for the SA First Nations Voice will take place on March 16, 2024, and only eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia can participate.
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