International relations

Under Australia’s second National Action Plan, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the whole-of-government lead on WPS. DFAT recognises that WPS national action plans support the systematic and systemic action needed to achieve gender equality, peace and security in a just, safe world.

Australia is a strong and reliable partner and will continue to support our Indo-Pacific neighbours as they recover from the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, humanitarian crises and natural disasters.

Sanctions regimes currently implemented under Australian sanction law

Australia established a thematic autonomous sanctions framework in relation to serious corruption on 21 December 2021. Unlike a country-specific autonomous sanctions framework, a thematic autonomous sanctions framework applies to sanctionable conduct wherever it occurs in the world.

Australia established a thematic autonomous sanctions framework in relation to significant cyber incidents on 21 December 2021. Unlike a country-specific autonomous sanctions framework, a thematic autonomous sanctions framework applies to sanctionable conduct wherever it occurs in the world.

Snapshot: Serious violations or serious abuses of human rights sanctions framework

DFAT gives notice to several listed persons, that the Minister will be considering whether these listings under section 15 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 (Cth) will continue to have effect.

Minister Payne announces the first set of Australian Magnitsky-style listings under the Government’s thematic sanctions framework, targeting Russian individuals responsible for the corruption that Sergei Magnitsky uncovered and those complicit in his subsequent mistreatment and death.

Australia and the UK have announced joint plans to provide humanitarian assistance to people in Ukraine impacted by President Putin’s illegal war.

Australia has signed with Vietnam the first bilateral Memorandum of Understanding under the Australian Agriculture Visa Program.