Two local Ngarrindjeri leaders elected to SA First Nations Voice
Murraylands community leaders Eunice Aston and Tim Hartman will be among the first members of a groundbreaking Indigenous representative body.
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Eunice Aston has blazed trails before, leading the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority and serving on the Premier’s Council for Women.
But this will be something new.
She will soon take her place among the first 46 Indigenous South Australians elected to the state’s First Nations Voice, a representative body which will take people’s ideas and concerns to government.
“It’s exciting but scary,” she said.
“As a mum, I’ve got myself into a position that’s going to affect not only my life, but everyone around me.
“I intend to carry the voices of my people to the table – it’s not my voice.”
Also elected on March 16 were Tim Hartman, Rob Wright and Lisa Rigney, in the Riverland and South East region, and Moogy Sumner, in Adelaide, among other candidates with Ngarrindjeri connections.
Voting in the Voice election was not compulsory, and fewer than one in 10 eligible voters – a bit over 2000 – participated.
State Opposition Leader David Speirs suggested the low turn-out brought the legitimacy of the Voice into question, and described it as “rushed” and “flawed”.
But Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher described the election as a success.
“We recognise that the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament is the first of its kind in Australia and that it will take time to build awareness and engagement,” he said.
“We will look to strengthen engagement ahead of the next Voice election, that will take place at the same time as the state election.”
Likewise, Ms Aston wasn’t overly surprised at the low number of votes cast, especially after a referendum which resoundingly ruled that a national Voice would not go ahead.
“This is going to be a new thing, for SA and for Aboriginal people as well,” she said.
“It’s going to be an adventure that’s going to change everybody’s perception on how we (Indigenous and non-Indigenous people) can work together.
“I’m privileged to be part of it.”
Murray Bridge News sought to reach Mr Hartman for comment.
- Read more: What is the First Nations Voice, and why is it important? Two Ngarrindjeri elders explain
