Outcome 1

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

Program 1.1: Foreign Affairs and Trade operations

Program management (advocacy and protection of Australia’s interests)

1.1.1 North Asia

1.1.2 South-East Asia

1.1.3 Americas

1.1.4 Europe

1.1.5 South and West Asia, Middle East and Africa

1.1.6 Pacific

1.1.7 Bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations

1.1.8 Trade development and policy coordination

1.1.9 International organisations, legal and environment

1.1.10 Security, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation

Program management (services to other agencies)

1.1.11 Services to other agencies in Australia and overseas (including
Parliament, state representatives, business and other organisations)

Program management (services to diplomatic and consular representatives)

1.1.12 Services to diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia

Program management (public information services and public diplomacy)

1.1.13 Public information services and public diplomacy

Program 1.2: Payments to international organisations

Administered item

Program 1.3: Public information services and public diplomacy

Administered items

 

Performance information for Outcome 1

Outcome 1 strategy

This outcome reflects the department’s primary responsibility for developing and implementing policies on matters of security, trade and global cooperation to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. The majority of the department’s financial and human resources are directed to the achievement of Outcome 1.

To deliver Outcome 1, the department will advance a number of key strategies in support of the Government’s national security and economic agenda over 2010–11 and forward years. These strategies are highlighted in the 2010–11 Strategic Direction Statement and include: working multilaterally to address global problems and advance Australia’s interests, including in the United Nations system and significant regional forums; promoting and strengthening regional and global stability in an environment of major security and economic challenges including in Afghanistan and Iraq; contributing to national prosperity by maximising Australia’s trade opportunities through multilateral, regional and bilateral means; strengthening global cooperation in areas of common interest including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, combating people smuggling, and good governance; further developing Australia’s relations with key international partners and countries of growing significance to Australia’s national interests; and delivering public awareness programs to enhance international awareness and understanding of Australia’s policies and society to the benefit of our foreign and trade policy goals.

As the lead agency managing Australia’s international affairs, the department has a central role in the development and implementation of whole-of-government foreign and trade policy. It provides leadership at Australia’s diplomatic missions overseas. It also manages and maintains Australia’s diplomatic network, including the provision of services to other agencies represented overseas, and services to diplomatic and consular representatives in Australia.