She has met with the likes of the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the United States, but it was the Mayor of a Darwin satellite city that left Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop waiting in the scorching Top End heat.

Ms Bishop was touring Palmerston shops with local Federal MP Natasha Griggs on Saturday in the lead-up to the election.

The pair were then seated in the sun on a 37-degree day with high humidity to watch the Royal Australian Artillery's Freedom of Entry march.

The City of Palmerston Mayor Ian Abbott was scheduled to inspect the parade and ceremoniously grant the soldiers "freedom of entry" to the city.

An awkward gap of 15 minutes ensued after Mr Abbott was invited to the podium, as ceremony organisers furiously attempted to contact the mayor.

A number of soldiers collapsed from the heat waiting for the Palmerston mayor. ( ABC News )

The full contingent of 120 members of the 8th/12th Regiment were left standing in direct sun, while Ms Bishop and audience members waited in silence to complete the proceedings.

"Ladies and gentleman, his worship the Mayor of Palmerston is delayed," a soldier announced on the loud speaker.

A number of soldiers fainted and had to be carried away while others took off their heavy uniforms.

"It certainly is [hot], it's the Northern Territory but that's what we're used to and the soldiers are used to demanding environments," Lieutenant Colonel Rob Alsworth, head of the 8/12th Regiment said.

"Unfortunately one or two may have been called out slightly but it's not a concern ... The medical services are there immediately and they'll be back on their feet, I'm sure, before the end of the day."

The top army officer Brigadier Ben James stepped into the Mayor's job to inspect the regiment and Mr Abbott showed up shortly after.

But the Mayor, who also runs a local cleaning business, denied he was late and avoided questions about the 15-minute delay.

"I was on time... As far as my schedule [was concerned] I was on time," Mr Abbott said.

"I was meant to be picked up, I was on time."