1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 24/01/2003   
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Contents >> International Relations >> The role of DFAT in Australia’s international relations

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the principal source of advice to the Government on foreign and trade policy issues and is the agency primarily responsible for implementing the Government's foreign and trade policies.

Its aim is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. The department's staff in Canberra, in state and territory offices in Australia, and Australian diplomatic missions around the world, work towards the achievement of four primary outcomes:

  • Australia's national interests protected and advanced through contributions to international security, national economic and trade performance, and global cooperation
  • Australians informed about and provided access to consular and passport services in Australia and overseas
  • public understanding in Australia and overseas of Australia's foreign and trade policy and a positive image of Australia internationally
  • efficient management of the Commonwealth overseas-owned estate.



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