The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to reduce cost of living pressures in remote First Nations communities, with 15 stores across Western Australia now offering cheaper groceries for customers.
From Bidyadanga and Yakanarra in the Kimberley, to Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert and Jigalong in the Pilbara, families can buy cheaper food and other everyday items through the government’s Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
Under the scheme, the cost of 30 essential items, including tinned vegetables, canned fruit, toilet paper and nappies, has been reduced so they are comparable to prices in urban areas.
The government is expanding access to the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme so that an estimated 225 remote stores across Australia can apply to join.
Already, 113 remote stores have signed up and consumers are seeing savings of up to 50%.
To participate in the scheme, stores servicing remote communities are required to sign up to the National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations which includes minimum standards aimed at improving three key areas: governance, operations and health.
Once approved for the scheme, stores can begin ordering stock from the list of 30 essential items to meet the needs of their community.
Administered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the scheme is delivered by Outback Stores, a not-for-profit Commonwealth company.
To see the full list of participating WA stores visit Food security in remote First Nations communities | NIAA.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“For too long First Nations remote communities have paid too much for food and other essential items, compared to people living in big cities. Our Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme is changing that by providing cost of living relief in remote communities.
“The Albanese Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures and improving food security in remote communities.
“That’s why we’re expanding access to the scheme, so more communities and families can benefit.”
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 our Low-Cost Essentails Subsidy Scheme is so important.
“15 stores have now signed up to make it easier for families in remote Western Australia to afford essential items.
“This program has made a huge impact out bush and I encourage more stores to get involved.”
Quotes attributable to Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community CEO, Tania Baxter:
“Bidyadanga community is the largest remote Aboriginal community in WA. We own and operate our store and like many other remote stores we face additional challenges in providing affordable basic items for our customers. The store operates as a business that can provide employment and additional funding to support programs to benefit community members.
“The cost of freight and limited buying power of an independent store means that the cost of stock into store is greater than that of the supermarket giants. Many of our customers are on pensions and low incomes so they are facing financial stress just to maintain housing, power and basic household requirements. This is why we wanted to participate in the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
“Our community members and customers can access subsidised affordable basic products while the business is not penalised for providing these items. It is a good start in our efforts to bring equity to Bidyadanga and other remote communities.”