After being announced by Premier Steven Miles in June, the State Government’s remote freight subsidy rose to 20 per cent on 9 September but still excludes fuel, clothing and whitegoods as “eligible essential goods” for Cape York and Torres Strait residents. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Cape York and Torres Strait shoppers will now receive a 20 per cent discount on certain items at the supermarket checkout after the State Government’s increase to the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme took effect on 9 September.
Premier Steven Miles foreshadowed the increase in June in response to criticism the original 5.2 per cent discount was making no tangible cost of living difference to residents of the state’s far north.
The discount applies to “eligible essential goods”, such as milk and bread, at participating retailers, but does not include other everyday items people rely on including fuel, clothing and whitegoods.
Following the June announcement, Cape York Weekly asked Premier Miles if his government would expand its definition of what constituted essential items when it boosted the discount to 20 per cent but he refused to make a commitment.
“I’d make the point again, this is a big new subsidy that didn’t used to exist, that will make fresh food cheaper, and we will monitor its impact,” he said at the time.
“And over time, of course, we’ll continue to do more, but right now, this is a major announcement to reduce the costs of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
Currently, about 34 supermarkets across Cape York, the Torres Strait and Gulf of Carpentaria are applying the discount instore.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said the increase to the subsidy was “about delivering practical and tangible results for our communities”.
“Queensland has some of the most remote communities in Australia and more broadly, so it’s important that we do what we can to support them,” he said.
“By applying an increased discount percentage of 20 per cent at the cash register at participating retailers from [9 September], the weekly grocery shop will be even more affordable for residents living within the Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait and Gulf region”.
The government said it would continue to engage with retailers on effective implementation of the subsidy and encourage additional retailers to participate in the scheme.
