The Albanese Labor Government has released a 10-year National Strategy to improve food security in remote First Nations communities and increase access to affordable and nutritious food.
The National Strategy has been developed in partnership with State and Territory Governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Strategy is the first coordinated national approach to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
It is the result of extensive engagement, including consultations in 21 remote communities and 10 regional forums across the country.
The Strategy supports and builds on the Albanese Government’s recently announced Closing the Gap remote food security measures including:
- Reducing the cost of 30 essential products in more than 76 remote stores to help ease cost of living pressures and improve food security in remote communities.
- Building a nutrition workforce in remote communities by upskilling up to 120 local First Nations staff in remote stores.
- Creating a dedicated governance, training and support package for remote stores.
To read more about the Strategy visit National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities | NIAA
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“We know that remote First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity.
“This Strategy is about improving food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities in Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and South Australia.
“The Strategy will support and grow community-led solutions to food insecurity and ensure governments are working together to address this critical issue.”
Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari:
“As the federal member of one of the most remote electorates in Australia, I know how food insecurity impacts remote First Nations communities.
“This National Strategy is aimed at improving access to affordable and nutritious food, regardless of where people live.”
“I welcome and support the upskilling of 120 local First Nation staff in remote stores.”
Quotes attributable to National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation CEO, Pat Turner AM:
“Access to affordable, nutritious food is fundamental to good health and wellbeing. The release of this National Strategy is a vital step towards ensuring that remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are no longer forced to live with unacceptable food insecurity.
“Food security is not just about access – it’s about equity, affordability, and building a strong workforce that supports long-term solutions. Investing in upskilling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in remote stores is a key element in strengthening community-led responses, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and addressing Closing the Gap targets in health, economic participation, and education.
“NACCHO welcomes this commitment and looks forward to working with all levels of government and community-controlled organisations to ensure that this Strategy delivers real and lasting change for our people.”