Under Ministerial guidance, DFAT leads whole-of-government efforts in international trade and investment negotiations including free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. FTAs are a type of international treaty, which means DFAT has to follow the treaty-making process as part of any negotiations.

Consistent with Australia's treaty making procedures, when negotiating an FTA, DFAT staff work closely with staff in other relevant Australian Government departments and agencies. They also consult: State and Territory Governments; the business sector; and other interested groups and interested individuals. DFAT also encourages written submissions from interested people and organisations.