Dr Kiah Smith has highlighted social inequality as a key driver of food insecurity in Australia. She is calling for rights-based policy approaches that not only link food security to income support and poverty reduction, but also empower Australians to actively participate in shaping food systems through inclusive and participatory governance mechanisms.
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry is currently seeking public input into the priority areas that will shape Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy. This development follows the Federal Government’s announcement of a $3.5 billion investment to co-design a national food strategy in partnership with industry and community stakeholders. Central to this is the establishment of a National Food Council, tasked with overseeing the strategy’s implementation. Both measures emerged as recommendations from the 2023 House Standing Committee on Agriculture’s Inquiry into Food Security, which emphasised the need for rights-based approaches informed by international best practice.
However, although food security is widely recognised as a significant human rights issue, reshaping Australia’s food system in line with the Right to Food remains a substantial research, policy and advocacy challenge. Through an ARC DECRA funded study, Fair Food Futures, Dr Smith co-designed four scenarios for reducing hunger and achieving food justice.
Dr Smith’s research supports the establishment of a National Food Council to progress the Right to Food. Global case studies show that inclusive co-governance - where civil society groups focused on social justice work alongside industry and government - can lead to more sustainable and equitable food system outcomes.
Dr Smith and other academic colleagues will be lodging a Submission to the Discussion Paper.
