Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Promoting and protecting Australia’s international interests

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promotes and protects Australia’s international interests to support our security and prosperity.

DFAT work with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

In December 2023, DFAT established the Office for First Nations International Engagement to implement the Australian Government's commitment to embed First Nations perspectives into Australia's foreign policy.

Led by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, the Office is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to identify new areas of cooperation between First Nations communities and our international partners.

Leading the Government's commitment to an inclusive international trade and investment agenda 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is leading the Government’s commitment to an inclusive international trade and investment agenda that drives economic growth for all Australians, including First Nations people and communities.

DFAT aim to amplify First Nations voices, representation and participation, including strengthening First Nations engagement, greater coordination with government agencies, and leveraging existing trade and economic programs, agreements and frameworks.

Australia's First Nations traders are our first exporters – from trading goods with Makassan seafarers in Indonesia for generations, to now exporting native botanicals, art, design, cyber and clean energy solutions to world markets. Australia's First Nations tourism experiences across the visitor economy provide the opportunity to highlight Australia's unique visitor experience and celebrate the world's oldest living continuous cultures.

An inclusive First Nations trade and investment agenda has the potential to deliver economic growth and economic prosperity for First Nation businesses and communities. It also has the potential to elevate and reaffirm First Nations perspectives in climate change, sustainable development, traditional knowledge, and protecting the integrity of First Nations arts and cultural products.

In addition, First Nations exporting businesses are role models and multipliers – they are more likely to train and employ Indigenous staff and channel profits back into their communities. The value of Indigenous trade is felt back along the supply chain and into communities on-country where jobs and wealth are created. In turn, this has the potential to contribute to Closing the Gap targets and support improved family and community wellbeing.

For more information visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade