A working group on fuel, energy and food security in remote Indigenous communities has been formed between the Federal Government, the Coalition of Peaks, and other First Nations groups.
Established under the Joint Council on Closing the Gap, the group brings together representatives from First Nations peak bodies, industry and service providers to provide a mechanism for First Nations communities to share their experiences.
It also provides a means for government, industry and service providers to work together to ensure fuel supplies and access to food and essentials continues in remote communities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said the Federal Government is continuing to "closely monitor fuel supply and food security in remote communities to help ensure ongoing access to essential services and supplies".
"This Working Group ensures the experiences and needs of First Nations remote communities are heard, understood and included in the government's response," Senator McCarthy said.
As Joint Council co-chairs, Senator McCarthy, and the Coalition of Peaks lead convenor, Donnella Mills, will convene a second meeting of the Working Group on Thursday.
Ms Mills said the Working Group brings unique realities of remote Australia to government so they are clearly understood and acted on.
"Fuel supply in remote communities is not just an economic issue - it impacts health, safety and essential services," Ms Mills said.
"Food security and access to health care along with supporting localised industries in remote communities including the Torres Strait Islands are areas of immediate priorities for the Coalition of Peaks.
"Fuel costs and energy needs in remote Australia flow into everything - food prices, freight, power generation and service delivery. When supply is disrupted, the impacts are immediate and profound for our people."
Among issues raised at the Working Group's first meeting earlier this month was the reliance on diesel for electricity in remote communities and the high costs of air, sea and road freight for food and essential supplies increasing cost pressures on families and service providers.
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour MP, said remote First Nations communities sit at the end of supply chains that span across the globe.
"And as a result our communities are very vulnerable to disruptions," Ms Scrymgour said.
"Remote First Nations communities sit at the very end of supply chains that span across the globe, and as a result our communities are very vulnerable to disruptions.
"Our government is taking an active role to understand the needs of our remote communities, and work to ensure vital services remain supplied."
Senator McCarthy also met with state and territory Indigenous Affairs ministers earlier this month for talks regarding the establishment of the Working Group.
