Thomas used his first Private Member’s Motion to call for the development and delivery of a coordinated ACT Food Relief Action Plan, co-designed with the community sector.
A report released by VolunteeringACT the day prior found that most food relief organisations had seen a 25 per cent increase in demand over the past year, with some experiencing a 75 per cent rise. The current system relies heavily on direct food donations, which are proving insufficient to meet the level of need.
The motion received unanimous support from all Members of the Assembly, with minor amendments from Liberal MLA Chiaka Barry and fellow Independent Fiona Carrick. Ms Barry’s amendment called on the government to avoid placing administrative and bureaucratic burdens on organisations in the food relief system, while Ms Carrick’s amendments accelerated the timeline for the delivery of the Plan, which will now be tabled in the Assembly by March 2026, and made it clear that interim surge funding will be needed to support the food relief sector while the Plan is being put together.
The successful passage of this motion reinforces the efforts of community sector organisations with a coordinated plan from the government, underpinned by a commitment to make sure the ACT’s food relief system is equipped to meet demand. Specific considerations in the development of this new ACT Food Relief Action Plan are to include:
- Determining the scope and scale of government support required to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACT’s food relief sector;
- Investigating opportunities to address challenges faced by community organisations in sourcing, receiving, storing and distributing quality food across the ACT; and
- Considering incentives aimed at the ACT retail and hospitality sectors to encourage food donation and reduce food wastage.
Thomas believes that the government has a responsibility to ensure its citizens' fundamental needs are met. And while this doesn't mean directly providing food, shelter, and clothing for everyone, it does mean ensuring that these basic essentials are made available to people who are unable to provide them for themselves.