The Albanese Government is delivering more cost of living support for remote First Nations communities by expanding access to the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
This means more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities will have access to cheaper groceries.
Under the Scheme, the cost of 30 essential items has been reduced, so they are comparable to prices in urban areas. Remote consumers are seeing savings of up to 50%.
Food items that have been made cheaper include canned fruit, tinned vegetables, rice and pasta, along with everyday items including nappies, soap and toilet paper.
113 remote stores have already signed up to the Scheme. The government’s additional $27.4 million investment means an estimated 225 remote stores across Australia can apply to join the Scheme, it will also support independently managed stores to sign-up.
Independently managed stores make up approximately 50 per cent of remote stores and provide an essential service to communities.
To access the Scheme, eligible stores are required to sign up to the 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 Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme is an important part of the Government’s commitment to improving food security and health outcomes in remote First Nations communities as part of Closing the Gap.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Our investment is about delivering cost of living relief to more remote communities and making sure more families can access cheaper essential items.
“Demand for the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme has been strong since it opened to applications last July.
“113 remote stores have already signed up to the scheme in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. Now, even more remote stores will be able to sign up and pass on lower prices to their communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour:
“Our government knows cost of living pressures are felt hardest in our remote communities and that’s why we are expanding our Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
“We are committed to building up communities but it’s difficult for your family to thrive if you can’t afford to eat good quality food.
“This program has made a huge impact out bush and I am delighted that we will be expanding it so more people can access the essentials their families need at a price that is affordable.”