Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has launched the first stage of a foreign policy white paper.
Ms Bishop says the white paper will complement a so-called "Pacific strategy" also being developed by the department.
She says it will be the first of its kind since 2003 and will set out a definition of Australia's national interests.
It will focus on countries that will matter most to Australia over the next decade, which regional and global organisations Australia will focus on, steps to expand trade and investment, security challenges and what assets are needed to advance the country's interests.
Ms Bishop says she doesn't didn't believe the paper would become redundant amid major shifts in geopolitics such as the Donald Trump presidency and Brexit.
Bishop says:" This is precisely the change when we should be developing a white paper. What we're looking for is a comprehensive strategic framework so that we are able to positively shape and have some influence over our national interests and shape things for the better. Rather than reacting to events once they have occurred.
