Public Narratives About Food Security Policies for Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Issue Addressed

Despite ongoing efforts, meaningful policy action to improve food security in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia remains limited. Compelling, values-based messaging may help drive change. This study explored public support for potential policies and the beliefs underpinning support or opposition, to inform future messaging on this issue.

Methods

We used street-intercepts to collect quantitative and qualitative data on community-identified policy actions. Narrative analysis identified underlying beliefs and structural elements of differing narratives.

Results

There was strong public support for government action, particularly for community-driven solutions such as community farming and healthy food subsidies. Policies such as increasing welfare payments received less support. Two key narratives were identified: one framing food security as a human right and government responsibility, and the other emphasising community self-determination and self-sufficiency.

Conclusions

While support for improved food security in remote communities was high, the preferred options and rationales varied. The narratives used to explain support or opposition offer insights into beliefs and attitudes that may be salient to the wider population.

So What?

Narrative-informed messaging could enhance public and policymaker support for community-led strategies to improve food security.