In summary, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is to consider and report on such matters relating to foreign affairs, defence and trade as may be referred to it by either House of the Parliament or a Minister. The Committee may also inquire into matters raised in annual reports of relevant Australian Government departments and authorities or in reports of the Australian Government Auditor-General.

The Committee consists of 32 members, twelve Members of the House of Representatives to be nominated by the Government Whip or Whips, eight Members of the House of Representatives to be nominated by the Opposition Whip or Whips or by any minority group or independent Member, five Senators to be nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, five Senators to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and two Senators to be nominated by any minority group or independent Senator.

Further detail is available in the Committee's Resolution of Appointment.

The Committee has had the following titles:

1952 -1972 Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs
1973 -1987 Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence
1987 -1993 Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
1994 - present Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

A brief history of the Committee is also available.