The National Indigenous Australians Agency is working to improve food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
Food Security means having continuous access to a range of food, drinks and other essential groceries that are reasonably priced, safe and meet the dietary and cultural needs of the household.
Food insecurity is often higher for those living in remote and very remote areas across Australia.
Food security is essential to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health and wellbeing. The work of the NIAA to improve food security is essential to progress outcomes of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The 2024 Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan recognises remote food security as a national priority, providing a range of initiatives to improve remote food security.
Post-Implementation Review of the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme is underway
The Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme (the Scheme) is an initiative by the Australian Government that makes food and other essentials cheaper in eligible remote stores. Any store servicing a discrete remote Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community can apply to participate in the Scheme.
The independent, Indigenous-led Review is being delivered by Yaran Business Services. Findings will support the effectiveness of the Scheme and inform opportunities for delivery improvements.
Have Your Say: if you live or work in a remote Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, provide food security services to remote communities, or have an interest in remote stores and cheaper prices, we want to hear from you.
Complete the Survey Complete a Submission
Submissions close 11:59pm Monday 16 March 2026
Remote stores participating in the Scheme can sell up to 30 products at cheaper prices. The items in the Scheme are purchased from Outback Stores at a subsidised price including freight. Remote stores must then sell those items at a cheaper price clearly marked on the shelves (the Intended Maximum Price).
- See the items included in the Scheme
- See the February 2026 Intended Maximum Price for items in the Scheme
Stores participating in the Scheme must be signed up to the National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations that sets out governance, operations and health standards for remote stores. Stores must be meeting or actively working towards the minimum standards of the Code.
This Post-Implementation Review will consider delivery of the Scheme, including:
- Scheme Design and Development
- Scheme Implementation
- Performance and Risk associated with implementation
- Financial Oversight
- Scheme Provider Performance.
Feedback to improve remote food security beyond the Scheme is out of scope of this review but may be considered through the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
You can see more information on the Scheme including Rules and Guidelines here.
Please contact: subsidyschemereview@niaa.gov.au if you have any questions.
