R. G. Casey House, the headquarters of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

In the Government of Australia, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is responsible for overseeing the international diplomacy section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In common with international practice, the office is often informally referred to as Foreign Minister. Prior to 1970, the office was known as the Minister for External Affairs. The portfolio has existed continuously since 1901, except for the period 14 November 1916 to 17 February 1917.

The minister is usually one of the most senior members of Cabinet — the position is equivalent to that of Secretary of State in the United States or Foreign Secretary in the United Kingdom — as shown by the fact that eleven Prime Ministers of Australia have also worked as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The minister is seen as one of the people most responsible for formulating Australia's foreign policy, as they along with other relevant ministers advise the Prime Minister in developing and implementing foreign policy, and also acts as the government's main spokesperson on international affairs issues. In recent times, the minister also undertakes numerous international trips to meet with foreign representatives and Heads of State or Government.

Stephen Smith is the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, replacing Alexander Downer, who was the longest-serving Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australian history.

[edit] List of Australian Foreign Ministers

Stephen Smith is the current Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

[edit] Notes and references

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Also served as Prime Minister for some or all of their term.