Assault charges dropped against SA Indigenous Voice to Parliament member

Danni Smith, a member of South Australia's Indigenous Voice to Parliament, had her assault charges against her dropped. The 41-year-old from Mount Gambier faced two domestic violence-related aggravated assault charges following an incident at her parent's home in March last year. At a hearing in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court, Smith pleaded guilty to a single charge of disturbing the peace.

The assault charges were dismissed, and Magistrate Kylie Schulz issued a good behaviour bond without recording a conviction. According to the court, Smith attempted to contact her parents following a significant personal loss, but received no response. When she arrived at her parent's home around 9 PM, she was confronted by two of her sisters.

An argument ensued, with yelling and shouting, and Smith attempted to punch her mother, though none of her blows connected. Smith threatened to damage vehicles at the home as she left, but the prosecution did not seek a conviction, arguing that the incident was not trifling and would not have rendered her ineligible for her state role.

Smith's lawyer, Michael Hill, stated that she was dealing with significant grief and emotions, had felt isolated, and had consumed alcohol before visiting the home. Hill added that Smith had since made contributions to community events and had ceased alcohol consumption. Magistrate Schulz noted that while a conviction would serve as a deterrent, she was satisfied that the incident was a one-off and a time of extreme emotion for Smith.