Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a bold initiative to align the prices of essential goods in remote food stores with those in urban areas, as part of his latest Closing the Gap statement. Addressing parliament, he revealed that the federal government will ensure that the costs of 30 essential products in over 76 remote stores match city prices. This move aims to combat the staggering price disparities that consumer group Choice has identified, showing that groceries in remote communities can cost more than double compared to capital cities.
“We are also tackling issues of access to affordable food in remote communities,” Mr. Albanese stated, highlighting the significant health risks associated with food insecurity, including cardiovascular and kidney diseases.
The essential items affected by this price lock include staples such as flour, milk, rice, bread, various meats, fruits, vegetables, and personal hygiene products like toilet paper and menstrual items.
In his address, Albanese will reflect on the government’s ongoing efforts to bridge health, education, and other outcomes for Indigenous Australians, acknowledging both progress and challenges.
“No nation’s story is simple, least of all Australia’s. It is a rich, proud, and deeply remarkable story—a narrative of hope, achievement, and survival against the odds,” he noted.
He emphasized the intertwined stories of all Australians, while acknowledging that, as the Closing the Gap report consistently reveals, there are still significant disparities that must be addressed.
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