First Nations Voice To Parliament

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs about Aboriginal affairs.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: It has been brought to the Liberal opposition's attention by concerned members of our community that some of the nominees for the Local and State Voice are individuals who already hold significant positions within agencies that provide advice directly to either state or federal governments. My questions to the minister are:

1. Why do the criteria allow for these individuals to advise the government on multiple platforms?

2. Will they, if elected, be remunerated on top of their current agency remuneration?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for her question. In relation to people who hold positions either in the public sector or in specific roles, I know that's something the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment will help manage and will advise on for any individuals who may be elected.

We have some extraordinary Aboriginal people in South Australia working in federal government departments, in state government departments, in other areas in non-government positions and other positions, and I am very, very pleased at the quality of the 113 nominees for the 46 positions that have been put forward.

In relation to remuneration, there are some circumstances where state public sector employees are not remunerated if they are on a state government appointed board or committee. I will double-check, but my guess is that for elected bodies, like local government bodies, if you are a public sector employee you probably are remunerated, recognising the extensive amount of time that is involved in liaising with your community and local government. I expect that is the same with the Voice, but if that is not correct I am happy to bring back a reply and correct that.