National consultations begin to improve food security in remote First Nations communities

The Albanese Labor Government is developing a national strategy for food security in remote First Nations communities, in partnership with state and territory governments and First Nations health organisations.

Food and other essential groceries are often over 50 per cent more expensive in remote communities than in regional supermarkets, not consistently available and can be poorer quality.

That is why the Australian Government has committed $11.8 million over two years to develop the Strategy, undertake consultations and implement early projects.

Improving food security requires cross-portfolio action from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, in partnership with First Nations people.

The strategy will be designed to improve the price, quality and availability of food and other essential groceries in remote communities.

National consultations will begin this week and include regional forums and discussions in remote communities. Face to face sessions run through July and August. A discussion paper has been developed to help shape the final Strategy and actions.

Feedback can also be provided via online submissions. Information, including opportunities and dates for face-to-face engagements, and how to lodge a submission, is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.

Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:

“Affordable, fresh and healthy food is important for everyone, especially our children and older people.

“Proper change will take state and territory governments working together with First Nations health organisations.

“We want people to have their say on what will work to improve the price, quality of food and other essential groceries in remote communities.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McCarthy:

“It is vitally important that remote First Nations communities have consistent access to affordable, nutritious and fresh food.

“In remote communities, grocery prices can be double or triple the price in comparison to suburban stores with access to healthy food being more limited, and supply chains more often disrupted by extreme weather events.

“We need long-term, sustainable solutions to support food security in remote First Nations communities – which is what this national strategy aims to do.

“Feedback on the national strategy will inform the actions we take to tackle this issue and support remote First Nations communities in becoming food secure.”

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For more information about a visit to communities listed below, please email: RemoteFSConsultations@niaa.gov.au