AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION 2022

Urban Agriculture is a Key Election Issue

A healthy, sustainable and fair food system that benefits all Australians is key to the pandemic recovery. Sustain supports activity towards a fair food system that has as its goal above all else, the health of the community.

About This Scorecard

Sustain reviewed the policies of the major national political parties and analysed how these would help to realise the potential of regenerative urban agriculture and edible gardening. The simple act of growing nutritious food can address a number of significant community issues like improving mental and physical health, tackling climate change, building community resilience, and increasing food sovereignty.

Scorecard Legend

Needs Improvement

Okay

Excellent

A commitment to

Expand the network of community gardens across Australia

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Strategies to improve

Skills-based training and apprenticeships in urban agriculture, market gardening and related fields

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

A commitment to

Community development and urban food-based food security projects

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Funding for

Establishing and maintaining edible gardens in the public school system

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Facilitating access to under-utilised land and associated start-up support for

Land access and infrastructure for urban farmers and community growers

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Funding for

Research collaborations on impact and benefits of urban agriculture and edible gardening

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Legislation to

Prohibit fast food outlets within 1km of educational or health care facilities

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Policy support to

Transition market gardeners and farmers to sustainable and regenerative forms of horticulture and agriculture

Greens

Labor

Liberal /National

Greens Total

Labor Total

Liberal/National Total

20 / 24

11 / 24

10 / 24

To read more in-depth responses to each of these points

CLICK HERE

Analysis is based on publicly announced policies as at 26/04/2022. All major parties were invited to provide details to Sustain on these 8 domains. This scorecard was developed on the basis that announced policies will be appropriately funded and implemented.

RELATED:

MEDIA RELEASE: Mulch Ado About Nothing For Urban Agriculture As Food Prices Soar And Climate Change Looms Large This Election.

Authorised by Dr Nick Rose, on behalf of Sustain: the Australian Food Network, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3004.