Functions of the Committee

Parliament exercises oversight over foreign policy through the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

Powers of the Committee

The Joint Standing Committee considers and reports on such matters relating to foreign affairs, defence and trade as may be referred to it by either house; the Minister for Foreign Affairs; the Minister for Defence; or the Minister for Trade. The committee may also inquire into matters raised in annual reports of relevant Commonwealth government departments and authorities or in reports of the Commonwealth Auditor-General.

Composition of the Committee

The composition of the committees reflects the numerical strength of each party in Parliament.