Strengthening Indigenous food security in remote Northern Australia: A policy analysis

The Northern Territory (NT) of Australia faces unique social, political, economic, and geographical food security challenges for Aboriginal Communities. International research and policy have advocated for greater coherence across government policies that support Indigenous-grounded perspectives on food security. While the need for cross-government collaboration to support community food security is recognised in national policies, implementation requires practical guidance, with an examination of opportunities to strengthen cross-sectoral policies. This policy analysis explores how NT Government public policies can be strengthened to better reflect remote Aboriginal food security, drawing on an adapted six-dimension food security framework (availability, access, utilisation, stability, sustainability, agency). Five key NT government departments were assessed. Most dimensions were partially represented by all departments. Stability was least represented, which is concerning considering volatile NT weather and global financial markets. Indigenous self-determination is relevant to all food security dimensions; some departments had limited examples of its implementation. Departments’ objectives need coherence and greater attention to food stability and availability. Greater policy coherence could strengthen food security, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and in jurisdictions with high food insecurity.