Federal Election 2025: A New Government—But Will Tasmania Be Heard?

The 2025 Federal Election is behind us, and while national commentary continues, the question for Tasmania is clear:

Will the new Government back the momentum already underway here—or will our state once again be overlooked by one-size-fits-all national programs that miss the mark locally?

Across Tasmania, a growing coalition of community organisations, producers, and service providers is shifting the focus from short-term food relief to long-term food resilience. Loaves and Fishes Tasmania alone supports more than 16,000 Tasmanians every week—and we know many more are quietly going without.

In the lead-up to the election, Loaves and Fishes Tasmania—on behalf of Tasmania’s food security sector—made its priorities clear:

• Targeted capital investment in critical infrastructure, including regional distribution and storage hubs;

• A commitment of at least $5 million over the next term—dedicated to Tasmanian-led food relief and food systems development, aligned with our State Government’s very solid and emerging strategy.

These aren’t just funding requests—they are part of a bold, practical vision to build local capacity, reduce waste, support producers, create jobs, and ensure every Tasmanian can access healthy, affordable food with dignity. Rescued food plays a vital role, but on its own, it doesn’t solve food insecurity. We need a whole-of-system approach that combines recovery, procurement, and production—focused on equity, nutrition, and community strength.

What We Didn’t Hear—and What Must Change

Despite promising conversations and strong alignment on values, the election campaign passed without a public federal commitment to Tasmania’s food security strategy. That silence is hard to ignore.

We heard commitments on fuel costs, Medicare, and electricity bills—all important—but none of it matters if people can’t afford to put food on the table. In Tasmania, food insecurity remains one of the most urgent cost-of-living issues, affecting everyday families across the state.

The Moment for Real Partnership Is Now

The Tasmanian Government has shown leadership through its Food Relief to Food Resilience Strategy, laying a foundation for long-term change. What’s needed now is federal alignment—not duplication. At a very minimum, that means delivering the $5 million in targeted investment we’ve called for—backing local solutions that are already working and tailored to our island context.

Across the sector, we remain hopeful. We’re ready. But we cannot lose momentum.

This moment calls for more than promises. It demands practical, place-based investment that puts Tasmania at the centre of the national story—of recovery, equity, and resilience.

How can you help? Here’s some ways that we suggest can make an impact:

Speak Up
Contact your local, state, and federal representatives. Let them know Tasmania’s food future matters. Ask for a $5 million federal commitment that aligns with our State Government’s Food Relief to Food Resilience Strategy. We need more than promises—we need place-based investment that supports what’s already working.

Get Involved Locally
Volunteer with a local food program. Partner with organisations making a difference. Whether you give time, skills, or resources—your involvement helps build a stronger, more food-secure Tasmania.

Check on Your Neighbour
Food insecurity is often invisible. A simple check-in, a shared meal, or a quiet conversation could be life-changing. Let’s make sure no one in our community goes without care or connection.

Choose Where Your Food Dollars Go
Whenever possible, buy local. Support ethical producers, social enterprises, and farmers who are feeding Tasmania and stewarding our land well. Every dollar spent on local food strengthens our whole system.

Stay Informed
Learn about food insecurity in Tasmania. Read local stories, listen to community voices, and follow the work of food system changemakers. Awareness leads to action.

Advocate for Systemic Change

Charity alone won’t fix this. We need infrastructure, smart procurement, and policies that prioritise dignity, nutrition, and community strength. Advocate for long-term, systemic investment in Tasmania’s food future.

Share the Message

Share this article. Start a conversation. Invite others to act. The louder and more united our voices, the harder we are to ignore.