The purpose of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to help make Australia stronger, safer and more prosperous by promoting and protecting Australian interests internationally and contributing to global stability and economic growth. DFAT provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian government, and works with other government agencies to ensure that Australia’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively.
DFAT exercise regularly with Defence, AFP, NGOs and International Organisations such as Red Cross in order to prepare for Australian responses to conflicts and disasters overseas. DFAT are the government lead on any Australian offshore response, and as such are a critical partner and stakeholder of the ACMC.