The federal government is calling on submissions in response to its discussion paper, Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy. It is the first step in the direction of re-establishing a national food plan, something Australia hasn’t had for 12 years. The goal is to deliver an outcomes-based practical strategy that is not “a strategy for strategy’s sake” that sits untouched on a shelf, the government said.
The government committed $3.5 million to develop the strategy, which aims to boost the productivity, resilience and security of our food system. It explained the food system encompasses “all the activities and actors in the production, transport, manufacturing, retailing, consumption, and waste of food, and their impacts on nutrition, health and well-being, and the environment”.
It straddles disciplinary boundaries, involves multiple stakeholders with differing agendas and exists at multiple levels of scale that are interconnected, with such complexity having ramifications – intentional, unintentional, unpredictable – in many ways across the system.
“Taking a whole-of-system approach to develop the strategy will help navigate the complex interactions and connections within the food system. While it may not be possible to address every aspect of the food system, understanding how the strategy interacts with the food system is essential to identify opportunities and mitigate unintended consequences that may negatively impact outcomes for food security,” it said.
There have been increased calls over the past few years for a renewed and comprehensive plan, more than a decade on from the last attempt. In December 2023, the House Standing Committee on Agriculture inquiry into food security recommended a national food plan, the appointment of a Minister for Food, and the establishment of a national food council as first steps in stabilising and supporting the industry.
After a year of no progress in the area, Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) stated in its Future of Food paper that a federal Minister for Food and a national food plan are necessary if the food industry is to meet the challenges of supply, nutrition, access, and climate impacts to its food system.
Another inquiry, undertaken by the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources, was released in February, with the first of its 23 recommendations reiterating earlier inquiries that called for a comprehensive national food plan.
In 2023-24, the Australian Food and Agriculture Industry Taskforce (AFAIT) – 14 of Australia’s most experienced industry leaders and board members from across the food value chain – volunteered to investigate the necessary food industry reforms and advocate priorities needed to transform the food system.
Founding member and Deloitte Australia National Consumer Industry Lead, Vanessa Matthijssen, said there is no question Australian agriculture and food production is “world class”.
“But the reality is that past performance is no indication of future success. With the speed at which global markets are evolving, inaction will see Australia go backwards.
“Transformative change in a complex, interconnected system will require a concerted and coordinated effort. Each actor – farmers, food processors, retailers, tech companies, financiers, and government – must play their part, however value chain collaboration will be critical to transform at scale and at pace,” Matthijssen said.
Submissions, expression of interest
The discussion paper said, “Food is a basic human need and an essential part of our daily lives, providing sustenance vital for health and wellbeing. Food is deeply woven into our culture and economy. All Australians are part of the food system, from our farmers and fishers who draw on natural resources to produce food; our people and industries who transform, transport and sell food; and our families and communities who grow, buy, cook and eat food.”
It said a National Food Council (the council) will be established to advise on the development of the strategy. It will be skills-based and include members with knowledge and experience from across our food system.
An expression of interest process is open until 11:59 pm AEST, Wednesday 10 September 2025. To obtain selection documentation and apply, please email admin@amandaorourke.com.au quoting Ref. No. 1173 in the subject line.
In regard to the strategy, you can answer a survey or submit a written response. Click here for details. Survey and submissions close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
“While Australia has a world class food system, we cannot afford to be complacent, or to ignore the new and emerging challenges facing our food and supply chains. There are also significant opportunities to drive innovation and productivity within our food system, positioning Australia for a food secure future,” it said.
Australia's food system employs more than 2.3 million people are contributes more than $187 million to the national economy.
