First Nations Voice to Parliament

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): My questions are to the Deputy Premier, in his capacity as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, regarding the First Nations Voice to Parliament:

1. Has the First Nations Voice been consulted on the government's response to the harmful algal bloom and, if so, when were they first consulted and how many times have they been consulted?

2. Does the First Nations Voice work with individual Aboriginal corporations in relation to such consultations, such as the Narungga National Aboriginal Corporation?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:25): I thank the honourable member for her question. I certainly know—and I can seek to supplement it with further information, given the response to the harmful algal bloom isn't directly in my portfolios—and am aware of some of the concerns that First Nations groups have in the effect that it has on them. Close to Adelaide on the Yorke Peninsula with the Narungga Nation, certainly I am aware that concerns have been raised, not just for the waters and activities but for the cultural impacts that the harmful bloom has had and may still have.

The Ngarrindjeri Nation—I am aware of concerns that have been raised. I am aware that there is First Nations representation on a number of the working groups or committees that are set up in relation to dealing with the harmful algal bloom. In terms of specific meetings convened with the First Nations Voice about the harmful algal bloom, I am happy to go away and ask the secretariat if that has occurred and see whether I can find out any further information about specific meetings with individual Aboriginal nations or Aboriginal corporations.