Food security has always been a core priority for ALPA. Remote retail faces serious challenges due to the geographic isolation of communities and lack of serviceable roads – conditions that drive up freight costs and inflate product prices. This is compounded by the rising cost of living, which places even greater strain on families trying to access affordable food and essentials.

Manufacturers justify higher prices as the result of lower purchasing volumes in comparison to large supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles.

We’ve been actively working with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), suppliers, and manufacturers to find ways to bring wholesale prices down.

“Families reliant on welfare have seen their payments increased only slightly, yet rising prices are far outpacing those increases which means less food and essentials in the shopping basket for families" said ALPA CEO Alastair King.

Reducing the cost of essential items

In February 2025, we welcomed an announcement from the Prime Minister for new Federal Government support to ease the cost of living and improve food access in remote communities.

The scheme complements the Remote Food Security Strategy, focusing on lowering the cost of 30 essential product categories—from staple foods like rice and tinned vegetables to household items such as nappies and toilet paper to sell in remote stores at the same price as major supermarkets in the cities. The expected savings for remote consumers for the list of items is between 30 – 50%.

Successful trial phase

ALPA was selected to pilot the program in partnership with Outback Stores from November 2024. By leveraging our collective buying power, we secured better supplier pricing and used the subsidy to align remote store prices with those in major cities.

Rolling out in FY26

On 1 July 2025, the scheme officially launched after completing its trial phase. Remote stores across the country can now apply to participate. Initially starting with 76 stores, the scheme is set to expand over time to include up to 152 remote locations.

Advocacy efforts

This result directly stems from the strong advocacy of the Remote Food Security Working Group, where ALPA is represented by CEO Alastair King, Merchandise Manager Alvis Prakash, and Nutrition Manager Laura Baddeley.

“The program is significantly reducing prices in stores but also boosting health outcomes and ensuring remote communities aren’t left behind when it comes to food and essentials. We see it making a real, tangible difference to customers."
Alastair King, CEO