Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the Australian government department responsible for foreign policy, trade, and providing consular assistance to Australian citizens abroad. DFAT's recent activities highlight its multifaceted role. It's in the news due to several incidents involving Australians overseas, including the death of an 8-year-old girl in a snowmobile accident and a woman in a ski lift accident in Japan, requiring consular assistance. DFAT is also involved in sensitive diplomatic matters, such as the transfer of alleged Australian IS fighters from Syria to Iraq and the investigation into methanol poisoning deaths of Australian backpackers in Laos, necessitating the dispatch of a special envoy. Furthermore, DFAT is navigating complex international relations, as seen in Foreign Minister Penny Wong's response to strikes on Iran and the department's awareness of passport issues affecting Irish citizens, indicating a collaborative relationship with international counterparts. These events underscore DFAT's crucial role in protecting Australian citizens abroad and managing Australia's foreign relations.