“I hope what we do here in South Australia acts as a positive demonstration to the nation that this is something that can bring people together,” Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas said in an interview.
“It enhances our democracy and improves the state of Indigenous affairs in our state without hurting anyone.”
In contrast to theheated debate surrounding a national Voice,the change has not sparked a culture war in South Australia.
Conservative politicians have not criticised the Voice,and the Greens – whosefederal counterparts are split – back the idea. There has been no hint of a media campaign since Malinauskas announced the reform as his first election commitment before winning last year’s election.
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SA’s Voice will be enacted through legislation rather than a referendum,meaning the full details can be released and debated,whileconcern about a lack of detail in the national proposal has been a major sticking point for the federal opposition.
Despite these differences,Malinauskas – who on Fridaysigned a statement of support for the referendum along with other state and territory leaders – said the respectfulness of the SA debate had stood out to him.