The challenges for health professionals working in remote regions are diverse, particularly where voluntary turnover is high. This study examined the influence of management practices on workforce sustainability in remote regions of northern Australia using human resource management (HRM) policy choices. In this study, 24 semi‐structured interviews withHRmanagers, health professionals and health managers revealed that the impact ofHRMpolicy choices on remote workforce sustainability is significantly influenced by management practices. The emergent themes depict work environments where ineffective management practices for recruitment, remuneration, resourcing and relationships have profound consequences. Despite these contextual challenges, examples emerged where effective management practices created stability and improved retention. Hence, the findings suggest that sustainable remote health workforces are achievable where localised management practices improve equity, where employee–manager relationships are fostered, and where there is equitable access to resources and professional development.