NT health groups back National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities

The first national strategy to improve food security in remote Indigenous communities across the country has won the support of local health organisations Here’s what it involves.

The first national strategy to improve food security in remote Indigenous communities has been welcomed by local NT health organisations.

Local health organisations have welcomed the first national strategy to improve food security in remote Indigenous communities across the country.

The federal government released a 10-year plan this week, the first co-ordinated national approach to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for remote First Nations communities.

The strategy supports and builds on the Closing the Gap remote food security measures recently announced by the Prime Minister, including the cost of 30 essential products being locked down in more than 76 remote stores.

It also commits to building a nutrition workforce in remote communities by upskilling up to 120 local First Nations staff in remote stores, and to create a dedicated governance, training and support package for remote stores.

The national strategy was developed in partnership with state and territory governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A governing body will be established to oversee the strategy’s implementation.

Dr John Paterson Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) chief executive. Picture: Supplied/Lisa Hatz Photography.

The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory said the strategy acknowledged the urgent need for long-term, sustainable action to increase access to affordable, nutritious food and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.

“As the peak Aboriginal community-controlled health body in the Northern Territory, our member services have long advocated for solutions to the inequality in food accessibility and affordability in remote communities,” chief executive John Paterson said.

“For too long, prohibitively high grocery costs and supply shortages have made healthy eating nearly impossible in many remote communities, where geographic, climate, and logistical barriers further restrict access to fresh food and essential supplies.

“Limited access to nutritious food has contributed to widespread health issues, including high rates of anaemia in children, diabetes – some of the highest rates in the world are found in Central Australia – and other chronic diseases. Not because people don’t want to eat healthily, but because they don’t have the choice.

“We acknowledge that stores are working hard to encourage healthy food consumption, but without additional funding, there is only so much that they can do while ensuring that they are viable.”

Dr Paterson said the government’s commitment to a co-ordinated national approach, developed with Aboriginal communities and organisations, was critical in developing locally led solutions that reflect the realities on the ground.

Federal minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy with Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said remote First Nations communities were disproportionately impacted by food insecurity.

“The strategy will support and grow community-led solutions to food insecurity and ensure governments are working together to address this critical issue,” she said.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour said: “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.”

Originally published as NT health groups back National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities