Accurate measurement supporting Australian businesses and fair trade

The National Measurement Institute uses its national network of trade measurement officers and inspectors to protect all Australians through a consistent standard of measurement accuracy and fairness.

During 2024 ꟷ 25, the NMI team took the epic journey from Darwin to Adelaide, serving Australia’s remote communities. During this outback journey, the team tested scales, responded to complaints, collected fuel samples, and weighed pre-packaged products in areas far from urban centres.

This valuable work ensures that every Australian gets what they pay for, whether buying produce at a local market in inner city Sydney, or freight services in a remote town along the Stuart Highway.

A National Measurement Institute Trade Measurement Officer tests a fuel bowser for accuracy. 
Image: Industry, Science and Resources

Working together

NMI teams across the country worked together to coordinate the trip through outback Australia. Work included gathering local intelligence, recording complaints, coordinating transport and organising ICT support for the 3000 kilometre drive across Australia’s red centre.

Institute inspectors worked with Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to test fuel quality at petrol stations along the route, providing intelligence to their liquid fuels units, by testing fuel samples during inspections.

Local traders worked with the NMI team to make sure their business instruments were working accurately and that correct business practices were in place. Local community representatives helped inspectors to build relationships and engage with community needs.

Benefits for the community

The regional and remote communities program helps make measurements fair and accurate for consumers. The program gives businesses confidence in their compliance, supports their reputation and provides government agencies with valuable data to inform policy and regulation.

The institute leads, develops and maintains Australia’s measurement system, ensuring it can be trusted. These responsibilities ensure fair and accurate trade by defining measurement standards, regulating transactions, and verifying instruments. This builds consumer trust, supports businesses, and promotes a transparent marketplace.

NMI’s specialised measurement capabilities support applications in advanced manufacturing, defence and security, and other areas important to Australia. It has targets to enhance trade, investment and economic growth.

Find out more

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (2025) National Measurement Institute, DISR website, accessed 15 August 2025.