Re-elected Prime Minister’s public message to department heads
Prime Minister Scott Morrison brought department heads out in front of the media cameras on Thursday and told them not to get in the way of his agenda. Read More
foreign affairs
Rebrand and boost foreign aid, parliamentarians urge
A lack of public support for foreign aid makes it hard to increase the budget. Could renaming and reframing it help? Read More
Scott Morrison’s authority deficit on show at home and abroad
The Liberals are shellshocked and unnerved after the Victorian rout and both the fact and implications of Julia Banks' desertion. Read More
DFAT innovation lab needs help plugging the aid budget with private investment
While Australia’s foreign aid budget has shriveled to the smallest share of national income ever in the past five years, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been pursuing ways of attracting private venture capital to back local entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region. Read More
How Indonesia’s counter-terrorism force has become a model for the region
As last month’s attacks in Indonesia remind us, ISIS has proven to be a resilient threat, with far-reaching influence that hasn’t disappeared with the collapse… Read More
Security problems surround the Commonwealth’s agencies
The federal government is facing multiple problems with its own security, including alarming claims from Parliament House whistleblowers just in time for Senate estimates. The… Read More
Frances Adamson confident DFAT can navigate a fractious multipolar world
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade turned 30 on July 14 and its job is only getting harder, but secretary Frances Adamson is confident that its past record is cause for optimism about its future. Read More
Tom Burton: plan B needed for possible Trump meltdown
An unpredictable US administration and a volatile domestic political environment suggest it is time for countries like Australia to have well formed contingencies in case things unravel in dangerous ways for the world economy and key strategic relationships. Read More
Kim Beazley: making the Trump administration work for Australia
Australia's policy interests with the United States are already stabilising, despite what the commentariat suggest about state of the alliance, says former Ambassador to Washington Kim Beazley. Trump's lack of policy nous can be a positive, if the PM can engage him in meaningful dialogue. Read More
Trump’s State Department clean-out: diplomatic bogey or par for the course?
Reports that a big group of senior diplomats unexpectedly walked out of the US State Department because they can't work for Trump seem to be exaggerated. Read More
Frances Adamson: public trust, listening and charting Australia’s way
The Canberra "beltway" needs more intelligence on what Australians are thinking, says the new DFAT head. As the forces of protectionism rally, she pondered the declining public trust in governments and foreign policy. Read More
Walking the line: DFAT boss on policy and separation of powers
Peter Varghese went out with a bang this morning, delivering a stirring valedictory oration. He spoke about the need to get back to deep policy thinking, defend the pillars of democracy, and maintain the separation of powers. Read More
Martin Parkinson: joined-up government and the rise of China
OPINION: Global dynamics are shifting rapidly, the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet argues. And both the United States and Australia haven't always been well positioned to take advantage. Read More
DFAT contracting problems hurt Iraq embassy security
DFAT is being reminded cheaper isn't always better when it comes to contracting, as reports emerge of security holes at its Baghdad embassy. A bureaucrat has been dispatched to investigate. Read More
Changing of the guard at Brazil embassy
Australia's incoming ambassador to Brazil has years of experience strengthening ties with Latin America. Read More