Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government continues to work with manufacturers and producers to explore options to improve food security and affordability of food and other essentials in remote First Nations communities.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, will today host a roundtable in Canberra with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, bringing together industry, remote retailers and the National Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation.
Participants in today's Food Security Industry Roundtable will discuss remote supply chains and the role industry can play in reducing prices, to help ease cost of living pressures affecting remote First Nations communities.
Due to higher operating costs and tenuous supply chains, food in remote stores is often more than 50 per cent more expensive than in regional supermarkets, as well as inconsistently available and of lower quality.
The Albanese Government is investing $11.8 million to develop a National Strategy for Food Security in remote First Nations communities, in partnership with state and territory governments and First Nations health organisations.
The National Strategy, to improve access to nutritious and affordable food and groceries, is expected to be finalised by early 2025.
There are over 200 remote community stores across Australia, supporting around 150,000 First Nations people.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Food security in remote First Nations communities is a key priority in my role as Minister for Indigenous Australians.
"Consistent access to affordable, nutritious and fresh food is vital to good health outcomes, yet First Nations people living in remote communities face a number of barriers to this basic life essential.
"We are working with industry to address cost of living pressures in these communities, because all players along the remote supply chain have a role in improving access to affordable and nutritious food."
