Transforming food security policymaking in Australia: a three-tiered food systems-centred and rights-based approach

Summary

This mixed-methods Australian case study examined food security policymaking across 102 policies, 25 stakeholder interviews, and 500 public surveys in three states. The research identified significant disconnects between government and public perceptions of food insecurity, and three key barriers: narrow conceptualisations of food security, governance fragmentation, and limited understanding of food systems. The authors propose a three-tiered, food systems-centred and rights-based policy framework to overcome these barriers and strengthen food security outcomes.

Regional applicability

This study is directly applicable to United Kingdom food policy development, as it addresses challenges—governance fragmentation, narrow policy framing, and divergence between public and policymaker priorities—that similarly affect UK food security policy. The proposed three-tiered framework may inform devolved and national food strategies in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Key measures

Policy analysis (102 policies), stakeholder interviews (n=25), public surveys (n=500) across Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia

Outcomes reported

The study analysed 102 food-related policies, conducted 25 stakeholder interviews and 500 public surveys across three Australian states to identify systemic barriers and opportunities in food security policymaking. It revealed disconnects between policymakers' and the public's perceptions of food insecurity, and identified three perception barriers hindering effective policy.

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