Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Advancing Australia’s Interests, Security & Prosperity Abroad

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade leads Australia’s international engagement, strengthens global partnerships, supports national security, and drives economic opportunity through trade and diplomacy. DFAT protects Australia’s sovereignty and values on the world stage while ensuring Australians are supported overseas and global challenges are met with coordinated national leadership.

 

Australia’s International Engagement

What They Do

  • Manage Australia’s diplomatic relationships

  • Lead foreign policy and strategic international engagement

  • Support Australians overseas through consular services

  • Strengthen trade, investment, and economic partnerships

Why It Matters

  • Protects Australia’s national interests abroad

  • Strengthens regional stability and global cooperation

  • Expands economic opportunity for Australian businesses

  • Ensures Australians are safe and supported overseas

Key Outputs

  • Foreign policy frameworks

  • Trade agreements & negotiations

  • Consular assistance & crisis response

  • International development programs

 

🔷 Foreign Policy & Strategic Planning Division

Shaping Australia’s Global Position

  • Develop foreign policy strategy

  • Monitor geopolitical risks

  • Strengthen alliances & regional partnerships

  • Coordinate whole‑of‑government international policy

🔷 Trade & Investment Division

Expanding Australia’s Economic Opportunities

  • Negotiate trade agreements

  • Support exporters & investors

  • Strengthen Indo‑Pacific economic ties

  • Promote rules‑based global trade

🔷 Consular & Crisis Management Division

Protecting Australians Overseas

  • Provide consular support to Australians abroad

  • Lead crisis response for overseas emergencies

  • Coordinate evacuations & humanitarian assistance

  • Maintain global consular networks

 

🔷 Consular & Crisis Management Division

Protecting Australians Overseas

  • Provide consular support to Australians abroad

  • Lead crisis response for overseas emergencies

  • Coordinate evacuations & humanitarian assistance

  • Maintain global consular networks

 

Development, Humanitarian & Partnerships Division

Supporting Stability & Regional Development

  • Deliver foreign aid & development programs

  • Support humanitarian relief operations

  • Strengthen regional resilience & governance

  • Partner with NGOs, UN agencies & regional bodies

 

Corporate, Security & Overseas Operations Division

Supporting DFAT’s Global Network

  • Manage overseas embassies & posts

  • Provide security, logistics & operational support

  • Oversee workforce capability & training

  • Maintain global ICT & communications systems

DFAT Portfolio Agencies

🔷 Austrade (Australian Trade & Investment Commission)

Growing Australia’s Trade & Investment

  • Support exporters and investors

  • Promote Australia’s economic strengths

  • Strengthen global market access

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Basic

ourism Australia

Promoting Australia to the World

  • Lead global tourism marketing

  • Support tourism industry growth

  • Strengthen Australia’s international br

Professional

🔷 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

Agricultural Innovation for Regional Development

  • Fund agricultural research partnerships

  • Support food security & sustainability

  • Strengthen Indo‑Pacific agricultural capability

Business

Export Finance Australia (EFA)

Financing Australian Export Success

  • Provide loans & guarantees for exporters

  • Support major international projects

  • Strengthen sovereign capability through finance

Key Problems in Foreign Affairs & Trade

Australia faces rising geopolitical tensions, economic coercion, and increasing regional instability. Global supply chain disruptions, cyber threats, and strategic competition require stronger diplomacy, deeper alliances, and resilient trade frameworks. DFAT plays a critical role in safeguarding Australia’s interests, supporting national security, and ensuring economic opportunity in an increasingly contested world.

 

Professional services

We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions.

What we do

We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions.