The Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme

Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme  

• The Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme (the Scheme), which launched on 1 July 2025, is lowering prices of 30 essentials in remote community stores to be comparable with prices in major urban supermarkets.
• It is having real impact by supporting remote stores across Australia to pass on lower prices to their communities.
• This will help address cost-of-living pressures and high rates of food insecurity experienced in remote First Nations communities.
• The Scheme is administered by the NIAA and delivered by not-for-profit, Commonwealth company Outback Stores Pty Ltd.

National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations

• The National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations (the Code) is a non-prescribed voluntary code that provides minimum standards for stores in remote First Nations communities. 
• By registering to the Code, remote stores demonstrate they are committed to delivering a minimum level of service for their communities. 
• The Code sets out minimum governance, operations and health standards for remote stores. For example:  
  • Health: Stores must have at least 50 per cent of refrigerated drinks dedicated to no sugar products (must include bottled water).  
  • Operational: Stores must have clearly displayed and accurate prices.   
  • Governance: Stores must be able to demonstrate how local community is able to input into the store functions.  
• The Code has been developed in line with research to ensure it benefits both stores in delivering a sustainable service and remote First Nations communities, increasing their food security.  
• A PDF version of the code is available here.
• Stores participating in the Code and Scheme will have access to supports offered by Monash University’s Healthy Stores Project and ORIC’s Governance Training and Healthy Store Project.

Post-implementation review of the Scheme

The independent, Indigenous-led review is being delivered by Yaran Business Services. Findings will inform opportunities for delivery improvements to the Scheme.

Participating stores

The stores listed below are enrolled to the Code and the Scheme. The stores have committed to meeting the Code standards and to offer essential product lines at the subsidised price. Stores choose which essential items to stock in their store, and availability may vary depending on local circumstances and store capacity.

Have a question or need more information? 

• Read our FAQs
• Contact us at remotefoodsecurity@niaa.gov.au and a team member will be in touch
• Call 1800 833 570.