South Australian Constitution recognises Aborigines as first people SOUTH Australia's Constitution will now officially recognise Aborigines as the nation's first people following a vote by MPs tonight. Onlookers packed the public gallery of Parliament's Upper House to see the historic changes passed. The Constitutional amendments recognise Aborigines as the traditional owners and occupants of the land and waters in South Australia and acknowledge past injustices and dispossession. At one point, a man yelling in the public gallery interrupted debate. Security reportedly tried to remove the man but he resisted, prompting MPs to leave the chamber to give him time to calm down. Premier Jay Weatherill said the changes were a "powerful symbol of respect." "This recognition does not and cannot reduce every wrong that Aboriginal South Australians have endured as a result of European settlement but it is a landmark in the process of reconciliation," he said. Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ian Hunter said the changes were long overdue. "A celebratory ceremony will be held in the coming weeks to extend our gratitude to the people who've done a great deal of work in the lead up to this historic moment," he said. Queensland, NSW and Victoria's constitutions also recognise Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.