International policy and national security

PM&C provides advice to support the government's consideration of foreign and national security policy. We use coordinated, whole-of-government, and whole-of-nation approaches to meet the strategic challenges Australia faces.

Against the backdrop of intensifying strategic competition, PM&C supports initiatives which promote Australia’s interests, and deter and defend against any actions that could damage them.

We also support work with international partners to:

What we do

We provide clear and persuasive advice to the government on how it might best tackle the significant issues facing Australia. Our priorities include:

2011 Independent Review of the Intelligence Community

Publication abstract

The 2011 report of the Independent Review of the Intelligence Community (the Review) was the first comprehensive review of the Australian intelligence community since the 2004 inquiry conducted by Mr Philip Flood AO. The Flood inquiry recommended that Australia's intelligence agencies undergo external review every five to seven years.

The Review found that Australia's intelligence agencies are performing well following a period of significant growth to deal with the security challenges of the 9/11 decade.

Other findings were that:

Members of Parliament (Staff) Act Review

Update (25 October 2023): On 17 October 2023, amendments to the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 commenced, implementing 11 of the Review’s 15 recommendations. The remaining 4 recommendations will be implemented by the statutory Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) which commenced on 1 October 2023.

The PM&C led Review of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) was published on 7 October 2022 .

Portfolio Budget Statements 2019 - 2020

The purpose of the 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

Portfolio Budget Statements 2020 - 2021

The purpose of the 2020-21 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

Portfolio Budget Statements 2021 - 2022

The purpose of the 2021-22 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

Portfolio Budget Statements 2022 - 2023

The purpose of the 2022-23 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

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