The Indigenous Affairs Committee has today tabled its report on food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 December 2020

The Indigenous Affairs Committee has today tabled its report on food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities. The report finds that food costs are very high in many remote communities, reinforcing long-held concerns regarding food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are living remotely, however it did not find evidence of systemic price-gouging taking place in remote community stores. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the Committee, noted that ‘Food security issues for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not new. For many people living remotely, food security is a constant concern. The supply of quality and affordable food is often unstable due to poor infrastructure, seasonal changes, the high costs of living and operating stores remotely.’ ‘However, despite these challenges, the Committee also learned that there is a very good story to be told about what happened in remote communities this year during COVID-19. We have an opportunity to harness some of the lessons of the Supermarket Taskforce and the Food Security Working Group that were established this year in response to this pandemic and can build on the networks and goodwill generated through that process.’ The report recommends several measures to build on the cooperative momentum of 2020 including: real-time price monitoring and a disclosure mechanism through a point of sale data system across all remote community stores. a national scheme of licensing and inspection of remote community stores. support for local food production schemes and enterprises. maintaining the Food Security Working Group established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Leeser noted that while the committee does not find evidence of price-gouging, the persistent disquiet on the matter means that allegations should be further considered and settled by a body equipped to do a thorough, forensic examination of what is taking place. He stated ‘it is important to acknowledge that this is the third time this matter has been examined in recent years and none of those inquiries has resolved the concerns about food prices and security that have been expressed.    Consequently, complaints concerning food pricing need to be examined by a body that is equipped to do the thorough, forensic examination that will satisfy the public. That is why the Committee is recommending these matters be investigated by the ACCC undertaking an enhanced market study which they have never done in remote communities.’ The report also recommends measures to improve governance and oversight of community stores, to develop a national food security and nutrition strategy, and to encourage more competition between remote store management groups. The report makes 16 recommendations to Government and can be accessed and downloaded from the inquiry website. Media enquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding further public hearings this week on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October 2020.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 October 2020

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding further public hearings this week on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October 2020. The Eon Foundation will be appearing on Thursday and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) will appear on Friday, followed by Outback Stores. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee, said that the Eon Foundation will provide valuable insights into local food production in remote areas and that the Committee looks forward to continuing its discussions with NIAA and the Commonwealth-owned Outback Stores, who appeared previously for the inquiry in June, on possible solutions to food insecurity in remote First Nations communities. “Market gardens and other avenues for remote food production have had mixed success in the past. We look forward to discussing this with the Eon Foundation who provide nutrition and horticulture education and training to 37 communities across Western Australia and the Northern Territory” said Mr Leeser. “Our second hearing this week with the NIAA and also with Outback Stores will allow us to further explore some practical responses and possible policy solutions to the food insecurity issues facing many Indigenous people.” The witnesses will be appearing by videoconference or teleconference due to social distancing requirements relating to COVID-19. Full programs are available from the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 8 October 2020 Time: 11.45am to 12.30pm AEDT Location: Via video and teleconference Date: Friday, 9 October 2020 Time: 9.30am to 11.45am AEDT Location: Via video and teleconference Audio broadcasts will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding a further public hearing on Wednesday 23 September.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 September 2020

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding a further public hearing on Wednesday 23 September. Among the organisations appearing before the Committee will be the National Rural Health Alliance, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, and Metcash. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee, says that each of the organisations will have unique perspectives on the issues surrounding food affordability and availability in remote Indigenous communities. “We look forward to continuing discussions at this hearing about the supply chains and pricing arrangements that exist for remote Indigenous community stores and also about the health impacts of poor food security in these areas. The Committee is keen to hear the views of Metcash and the Australian Food and Grocery Council on the challenges posed by the business environment for food and groceries in remote Indigenous communities”, Mr Leeser said. The witnesses and Members will all be appearing by videoconference or teleconference due to social distancing requirements relating to COVID-19. Full programs are available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2020 Time: 10.00am to 3.20pm AEST Location: Via video and teleconference An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding further public hearings on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th August, 2020.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 August 2020

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities is holding further public hearings on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th August, 2020. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee, says that key stakeholders from Queensland and Western Australia will be appearing including local councils, health agencies, Aboriginal Corporations, the WA Government and Metcash. The Chairman of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board will also appear before the committee. ‘These hearings will contribute significantly to the existing body of evidence for this inquiry. The committee looks forward to discussing some of the reasons for food insecurity in remote Indigenous communities, its impacts, and some of the possible solutions,’ Mr Leeser said. ‘We will be particularly interested to hear from the National COVID-19 Commission on the additional challenges the pandemic is causing for remote food supplies.’ The hearings will be conducted via telephone and video links due to social distancing requirements relating to COVID-19. Full programs are available at the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2020 Time: 9.40 am to 4.20pm Location: Via conference call Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2020 Time: 9.00 am to 3.40pm Location: Via conference call An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities will hold a public hearing tomorrow.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 August 2020

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities will hold a public hearing tomorrow. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee, says the Committee will hear from stakeholders from Queensland, including the key industry players Community Enterprise Queensland and Sea Swift, and also from Indigenous peak bodies from the Northern Territory and New South Wales. ‘The Committee looks forward to gaining further insights into the complexities of the food supply chains and store management in the top-end of Australia, and the experiences of Aboriginal organisations with food pricing and availability,’ Mr Leeser said. The hearings will be conducted via telephone and video links due to social distancing requirements relating to COVID-19. Full programs are available at the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 12 August Time: 9.00 am to 11.00 am; 1.00pm to 4.40pm Location: Via conference call An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this inquiry, including its terms of reference, details of upcoming public hearings, and instructions on making a submission, please visit the Committee’s webpage. You may also track the Committee to receive email updates on the inquiry by clicking the blue ‘Track Committee’ button.

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities will hold further public hearings over two days this week.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 21 July 2020

The inquiry into food pricing and food security in remote Indigenous communities will hold further public hearings over two days this week. Julian Leeser MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee, says the Committee will hear from key stakeholders from the Northern Territory and New South Wales including Land councils, other Indigenous peak bodies and agencies, leading academics, the Northern Territory Government, and key industry players such as Woolworths and Metcash. ‘The collective expertise among the witnesses who will appear is extensive, and I look forward to hearing the insights they will share,’ Mr Leeser said. ‘It is very important that the committee gets a thorough understanding of the food pricing and food security issues that are affecting remote Aboriginal communities. We look forward to hearing from witnesses about what dynamics are involved and what can be done to improve the situation.’ The hearings will be conducted via telephone and video links due to social distancing requirements relating to COVID-19. Full programs are available at the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 23 July Time: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm AEST Location: Via conference call Date: Friday 24 July Time: 9.00 am to 2.20 pm AEST Location: Via conference call An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The Indigenous Affairs Committee will welcome the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and Outback stores who will be appearing together at the second public hearing for the inquiry into food prices and food security in remote communities.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 June 2020

The Indigenous Affairs Committee will welcome the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and Outback stores who will be appearing together at the second public hearing for the inquiry into food prices and food security in remote communities. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that this will be an important opportunity for the Committee to discuss the operations of remote community stores located across the NT, WA and SA with both Outback Stores and the NIAA. ‘Outback Stores are supporting about 40 remote stores and we look forward to discussing the management and governance of these businesses and how this contributes to a secure supply of affordable and healthy food for their communities.’ Public hearing details Date: Thursday 18 June 2020 Time: 11.35am to 12.20pm A full program will be available at the inquiry website. Due to social distancing requirements at Parliament House, members of the public will not be permitted to attend the hearing. An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live. For more information about this inquiry, including its terms of reference, details of upcoming public hearings, and instructions on making a submission, please visit the Committee’s webpage. You may also track the Committee to receive email updates on the inquiry by clicking the blue ‘Track Committee’ button. Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The Indigenous Affairs Committee will hear from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) at the first public hearing for its inquiry into food prices and food security in remote communities.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 9 June 2020

The Indigenous Affairs Committee will hear from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) at the first public hearing for its inquiry into food prices and food security in remote communities. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that the Committee looks forward to discussing the current policy frameworks with these key agencies. “As the national Indigenous policy agency, NIAA will play a central role in formulating the Government’s approach to dealing with this issue,” said Mr Leeser. “The ANAO has conducted detailed audits of Government activities and initiatives in remote food security. Both of these witnesses have valuable insights and expertise to bring to the inquiry.” Public hearing details Date: Thursday 11 June 2020 Time: 11.35am to 12.55pm A full program will be available at the inquiry website. Due to social distancing requirements at Parliament House, members of the public will not be permitted to attend the hearing. An audio broadcast will be accessible at https://www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen. For more information about this inquiry, including its terms of reference, details of upcoming public hearings, and instructions on making a submission, please visit the Committee’s webpage. You may also track the Committee to receive email updates on the inquiry by clicking the blue ‘Track Committee’ button. Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Annie Phillips (02) 9980 1822 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au

The Indigenous Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into food prices and food security in Remote Communities.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 28 May 2020

The Indigenous Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into food prices and food security in Remote Communities. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said it’s important that people in Indigenous communities have reliable access to food that is reasonably priced. “There have been significant reports of very high food and grocery prices in Remote Communities and issues around the secure supply of fresh food,” said Mr Leeser. “The inquiry will look at the situation in remote Indigenous communities, and the effect of supply chains and local businesses on the cost of food. The inquiry will also look at the role of regulators in dealing with the situation.” “I strongly encourage Indigenous people and people in the food and grocery industry to make a submission to the inquiry.” The Committee will consult with communities, community stores and supply chain businesses, Government agencies and other stakeholders to determine Indigenous communities have access to reasonably priced healthy food. The Committee will present its final report by 30 October 2020. For more information about this inquiry, including its terms of reference, details of upcoming public hearings, and instructions on making a submission, please visit the Committee’s webpage. You may also track the Committee to receive email updates on the inquiry by clicking the blue ‘Track Committee’ button. The Terms of Reference of the inquiry are as follows: The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs will inquire into and report on the issue of food prices and food security in remote Indigenous communities (“Remote Communities”). The Inquiry will identify and report upon factors contributing to higher prices and situations where prices are considered unreasonable and in particular investigate whether there is price gouging in any remote community stores. This investigation should pay particular attention to the availability and pricing of fresh and healthy foods in remote community stores. The Inquiry will also consider licensing and regulation as well as the governance arrangements for remote community stores across Australia, and what action, if any, that the Australian Government and States and Territory governments could take to address price gouging in Remote Communities. The Inquiry should consider, report and where appropriate make recommendations on: 1.     The environment in which Remote Community retailers operate; 2.     The licensing and regulation requirements and administration for Remote Community stores; 3.     The governance arrangements for Remote Community stores; 4.     Comparative pricing in other non-Indigenous remote communities and regional centres; 5.     Barriers facing residents in Remote Communities from having reliable access to affordable fresh and healthy food, groceries and other essential supplies; 6.     The availability and demand for locally produced food in Remote Communities; 7.     The role of Australia’s food and grocery manufacturers and suppliers in ensuring adequate supply to Remote Communities, including: a.     identifying pathways towards greater cooperation in the sector to improve supply; b.     the volume of production needed for Remote Communities; c.     challenges presented by the wet season in Northern Australia as well as any locational disadvantages and transport infrastructure issues that might be relevant; d.     geographic distance from major centres; 8.     The effectiveness of federal, state and territory consumer protection laws and regulators in: a.     supporting affordable food prices in Remote Communities particularly for essential fresh and healthy foods; b.     addressing instances of price gouging in Remote Communities; and c.     providing oversight and avenues for redress; 9.     Any other relevant factors.   The Committee will resume its inquiry into pathways and participation opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business once this new inquiry is completed. Media inquiries Office of Julian Leeser MP Media contact: Ms Annie Phillips (02) 9980 1822 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4559 IndigenousAffairs.Reps@aph.gov.au