International relations

The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), is a unique organisation, being both a regulator – the national authority for nuclear and chemical weapons treaties - and the source of expert advice to Government in the technically complex area of non-proliferation treaties and verification mechanisms. 

Australia expresses its strong support for the EU's decision to issue sanctions against cyber criminals for malicious cyber activity targeting the EU and Ukraine.

Australia's International Development Policy recognises climate change as the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of Pacific peoples and the greatest shared threat to all countries.

The Australian Government has announced a package of new initiatives to strengthen Papua New Guinea's internal security and law and justice priorities following the 30th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. Australia and PNG also agreed on the 30th Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué.

On 15-16 June 2024, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services the Hon Bill Shorten MP will represent Australia at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland.

The Australian Government expresses its grave concern at, and stands by the Philippines in its response to, the dangerous and illegal actions by China’s vessels against Philippine vessels and crew taking part in a routine mission to Second Thomas Shoal, within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, on 17 June.

The Australian Government is reforming Australia's sanctions laws to ensure they are fit for purpose and easier to understand. Reforms will be finalised before the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 sunset on 1 October 2027.

We strongly condemn the latest detentions by the Houthis, since 7 June, of United Nations personnel and staff working for or who have previously worked for international and national non-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions.

We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Myanmar and in particular the increasing harm to civilians, which is driving a worsening and devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis across the country.