Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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ROLE OF DFAT IN AUSTRALIA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

(DFAT) is the principal source of advice to the Australian Government on foreign and trade policy issues, and is responsible for implementing the Government’s foreign and trade policies. The Department works to achieve three primary outcomes to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally:

• the advancement of Australia’s international strategic, security and economic interests including through bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement on Australian Government foreign and trade policy priorities
• the protection and welfare of Australians abroad and access to secure international travel documentation through timely and responsive travel advice and consular and passport services in Australia and overseas, and
• a secure Australian Government presence overseas through the provision of security services and information and communications technology infrastructure, and the management of the Commonwealth’s overseas owned estate.