Advancing the National Interest is the government’s - and Australia’s - second foreign and trade policy White Paper. It is a comprehensive assessment of Australia’s place in the world and articulation of the government’s strategies to protect and promote the security and prosperity of Australia and our people.

This White Paper continues the government’s commitment, expressed in the 1997 White Paper, In the National Interest, to keep the Australian Parliament and Australians informed of its approach to foreign and trade policy. Our aim is to give readers a deeper understanding of the essential contribution the government’s foreign and trade policy makes to advancing Australia’s national interests. The government recognises the importance of community understanding of Australia’s foreign and trade policy.