Northern Territory Government
NT Health Remote Stores Program Standards commence in Northern Territory
5 November 2025
The Remote Stores Program has now taken effect, with new standards set by NT Health for remote stores across the Northern Territory.
Remote community stores in the Northern Territory represent over 50% of all remote community stores in Australia.
NT Health has implemented food security standards for remote Declared Community Stores through its powers under Part 7A of the Food Act 2004.
The new standards require remote stores in the Territory to:
Stock a minimum range of goodsPromote good nutrition and healthy foodBe managed responsibly
NT Health Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Burgess said the program supports remote stores to have a positive impact on people's nutritional intake while contributing to reduce the burden of disease.
"Remote Food Security is crucial for the prevention of chronic disease, malnutrition and improving overall health and wellbeing," he said.
"The Territory is the only jurisdiction with Remote Food Security legislation, so this is a really significant step forward for our communities.''
The standards, which also align with the voluntary National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations, were developed through comprehensive consultation with a range of stakeholders.
"The NT Government is now leading the way in creating healthier food environments," Julie Brimblecombe Professor Public Health Nutrition, NHMRC Investigator Research Fellow, Monash University said.
NT Health would like to thank our partners who were critical to the development of the Remote Stores Program Standards including: Store Managers, Local Boards, Coalition of Remote Healthy Stores, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, Monash University, NIAA, Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, Outback Stores, TAH Northern Trading, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Central Land Council and Northern Land Council.
