The species is listed as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List. There are no key threatening processes for N. temporalis, although the Pest Animal Control CRC suggests that the introduced nutmeg mannikin (Lonchura punctulata), which currently threatens some native mannikins through increased competition, may be a minor threat to N. lateralis in northern Queensland.
The species is not considered endangered according to the IUCN Red List. While there are no major threats to N. temporalis, the Pest Animal Control CRC suggests that the introduced nutmeg mannikin (Lonchura punctulata) may pose a minor threat to N. lateralis in northern Queensland due to competition.