Industry roundtable coming to Alice Springs wants govt to ‘stay out of people’s fridges and pantries’

The man chairing the roundtable says the federal government should ‘stay out of people’s fridges and pantries’ and listen to them instead. Find out why.

Brad Gaddes. Picture: Che Chorley

A roundtable is bringing bigwigs to Alice Springs to advocate for an “industry wide freight subsidy” – which they want to apply nationwide.

The roundtable is due to be held on Tuesday, April 8, and will bring politicians, transport groups, suppliers and retailers together.

NT Chamber of Commerce Central Australian Committee chair Brad Gaddes is the chairperson of the roundtable, and said the “current scheme isn’t fit for purpose”.

Mr Gaddes is referring to the Albanese government’s February announcement on lowering grocery prices in remote communities by subsidising the cost of 30 essential items.

Mr Albanese made the pledge after it was revealed grocery prices in remote communities were often double that of their metropolitan counterparts.

The scheme is due to kick off July 1, but Mr Gaddes said there was not enough detail on how it was going to work.

A road train driving up Stuart Highway near Adelaide River, NT. Picture: File

“From what we do know, it will only offer a band-aid solution to a complex problem,” he said.

“There should be an industry wide freight subsidy that applies to all freight on all grocery items to all shops in all remote communities.

“A flat rate on freight would bring the cost of all remote groceries down. A discount for certain products in certain shops will create inequity and complexity.

“An industry-wide freight subsidy would be more sustainable, easier to implement and more effective.

“It’s not the job of governments to tell people what to eat. They should stay out of people’s fridges and pantries and focus on legacy reforms that deliver meaningful outcomes.

“We want Labor and the Coalition to commit to adopting a remote food freight policy during this campaign to ensure people in our communities have access to affordable, healthy food.

“The first step would be to facilitate an industry consultation post-election.”

Roundtable attendees include NT Senator Jacinta Price, CLP Lingiari candidate Lisa Siebert, suppliers Tip Top and Mars Food, transport groups Stanes Transport, K & S Freighters, and Central Desert Transport, and retailers.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy welcomed the discussion and said Labor would consider roundtable outcomes in the implementation of the remote food subsidy.

“We know that food prices in remote communities are often more than double that of the major centres,” she said.

“And it’s important to remember that across the country remote communities are often cut off by floods, fires, cyclones and other extreme weather events, severely impacting food supplies.

“That’s why the Albanese Labor Government’s priority is boosting food security and reducing the cost of essential items for people living in remote communities.”

Originally published as Industry roundtable coming to Alice Springs wants govt to ‘stay out of people’s fridges and pantries’