The Albanese Labor Government is investing $9.6 million to improve food security for First Nations people in remote communities.
The government has worked with state and territory governments to identify the remote community stores most in need of immediate support ahead of the upcoming emergency season, with projects to be tailored to local need.
The Store Efficiency and Resilience Package will support upgrades for more than 15 remote stores to ensure a reliable supply of nutritious food and essential groceries.
The remote stores will be supported to increase storage capacity for both dry and refrigerated stock, strengthening their ability to withstand supply chain interruptions.
The investments will also support stores to install back-up power systems to save perishable stock and allow continued trading when power supplies fail.
Food and grocery availability in some remote communities can be affected by wet season impacts and extreme weather events, isolating people from critical supplies for prolonged periods and making air freight necessary.
The Albanese Government is currently developing 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.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“We know food insecurity disproportionately affects First Nations people living in remote communities.
“We are also seeing the impact extreme weather is having on remote communities that are more regularly experiencing long periods of isolation from critical supplies.
“Last wet season, road access to some remote communities was cut off by floodwaters, meaning stores were paying $10 per kilo for air freight, adding $20 to the cost of delivering 2 litres of milk.
“This is why we are supporting these remote stores to build their resilience in providing accessible and healthy food for their communities.
“This package is part of our government’s commitment to long term, sustainable solutions to support food security in remote First Nations communities.”