The emerging edible oyster industry in northern Australia involves Aboriginal communities, industry and governments. To ensure that local markets can be supplied, as well the potential for expansion over time, there is a need to implement an adequate food safety program. Preliminary shellfish quality assurance assessments have been conducted at oyster farming trials in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. However, there remains a gap in the knowledge of shellfish food safety risks and the most appropriate way to administer a shellfish food safety program in Northern Australia. This investment will assess food safety concerns and associated risks in tropical Australia and develop models for shellfish food safety programs in tropical Australian conditions.