Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stewart for the question. I know it is one that does concern her deeply. I recently returned home to my community of Borroloola in the remote Gulf region of the Territory. Residents in Borroloola, like many communities, face health challenges that are all too common among First Nations people, including diabetes and kidney disease, and, like residents in other communities, they have to travel long distances for health care and treatment. During my visit, I was pleased to announce the Albanese government is investing $13.5 million for a multipurpose community development that will include a renal dialysis clinic. A new renal facility in Borroloola means kidney disease patients will no longer have to relocate to Darwin or Katherine for lifesaving treatment.

I take this opportunity as well to acknowledge the Mayor of Cairns, Amy Eden, and her delegation who are here. I recently visited the Cairns base hospital to work and talk with patients there so that we could look at setting up some treatment for them at home on the Torres Strait. We know that diabetes can be managed, if not prevented, through diet. That's why it's vitally important we improve food security for remote First Nations communities. Groceries in some remote First Nations communities cost more than double that in capital cities. Everyone deserves access to affordable, fresh and healthy food.

In August, I wrote to manufacturers and producers asking for action to expand remote access to bulk-purchasing discounts. The letters asked for prices for 30 core products to be no more than those paid by major supermarkets. Earlier this month, I hosted the remote food supply chain industry roundtable. It was the first time stakeholders in the remote supply chain have come together to identify food security solutions for people in our most isolated communities.