The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to reduce cost of living pressures in remote First Nations communities, with stores across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait offering cheaper groceries for customers.
From Doomadgee in the west to Palm Island in the east, from Pormpuraaw in Cape York to Boigu Island in the Torres Strait, residents can buy cheaper groceries, thanks to the Government’s Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
Under the scheme, the cost of 30 essential items has been reduced, so they are comparable to prices in cities. The expected savings for remote consumers is up to 50%.
Food items that have been made cheaper include tinned vegetables, canned fruit and rice, along with everyday items including nappies and toilet paper.
There has been strong interest in the scheme from remote stores nationally.
To participate in the scheme, remote stores must first sign up to a new National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations which includes minimum standards aimed at improving capability in three key areas – governance, operations and health.
The scheme is administered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and delivered by Outback Stores, a not-for-profit Commonwealth company.
Once approved for the scheme, stores can commence ordering stock from the list of 30 essential items to meet the needs of their community.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $50 million over four years to improve remote food security, including reducing the cost of essential items in up to 152 remote stores.
For more information visit Food security in remote First Nations communities | NIAA
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“I am pleased that communities across North Queensland, Cape York and Torres Strait can access cheaper food and everyday items thanks to our subsidy scheme.
“For too long First Nations communities have paid too much for items, compared to people living in big cities.
“The Albanese Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures and improving food security for remote communities.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland, Senator Nita Green:
“Living in North and Far North Queensland communities shouldn’t mean paying extreme prices for everyday items that would only cost a fraction of the price in the city.
“That’s why the Albanese Government is determined to see the prices for everyday items come down through these subsidies.
“This is real relief. By bringing down the costs of veggies, nappies, rice and so many other essential items we are making life easier for First Nations communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“People in remote communities deserve to access reasonably priced groceries.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that whether you live in the big cities or out bush, you can access food and other essentials at an affordable cost.
“I look forward to seeing even more stores sign up to the Essentials Subsidy Scheme.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith MP:
“The Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme is providing real cost of living relief in remote communities, as well as better food security.
“I am thrilled to see the strong interest in the scheme from remote stores – especially here in Leichhardt.”
Quotes attributable to Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) Chairperson, Joann Schmider:
"CEQ has acted quickly to deliver the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme across our store network because as leaders in remote retail, we take responsibility for ensuring this support is real and immediate.
"We are proud to bring this scheme into our stores because by easing these pressures and ensuring access to affordable, healthier everyday staples, we stand alongside families in remote communities – building stronger, healthier futures.
“It’s a real positive for our communities that both the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth are working in tandem. Together, the two schemes mean even greater support at the checkout, with more essentials made affordable for families.”
Queensland remote stores and communities benefitting from the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme:
Cape York
Aurukun General Store (Aurukun)
Bamaga Supermarket (servicing Bamaga, Seisia and Umagico community)
The Little Bush Pantry (Coen)
Hope Vale Supermarket (Hope Vale)
Kowanyama Supermarket (Kowanyama)
Lockhart River Supermarket (Lockhart River)
Mapoon Local (Mapoon)
Napranum Local (Napranum)
Pormpuraaw Supermarket (Pormpuraaw)
Wujul Wujul Local (Wujul Wujul)
Torres Strait
Arkai Local (servicing Kubin, St Pauls and Moa community)
Badu Island Supermarket (Badu Island)
Boigu Local (Boigu Island)
Dauan Local (Dauan Island)
Erub Local (Darney Island)
Horn Island Supermarket (Horn Island)
Iama Local (Yam Island)
Kirriri Express (Hammond Island)
Mabuyag local (Mabuiag Island)
Masig Local (Yorke Island)
Mer Local (Murray Island)
Nurupai Local (Horn Island)
Poruma Local (Coconut Island)
Rosehill Express (Thursday Island)
Saibai Local (Saibai Island)
Tamwoy Express (Thursday Island)
Ugar Local (Stephen Island)
Waibene Supermarket (Thursday Island)
Warraber Local (Warraber Island)
Wug Local (Moa Island)
Northern Queensland
Doomadgee Supermarket (Doomadgee)
Bwgcolman Supermarket (Palm Island)