Harris, Stuart2015-12-131035-7718http://hdl.handle.net/1885/94323In July 1987 the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Trade were merged into a single department. Fifteen years on, this article assesses the benefits and costs of the merger. It focuses on two questions. Firsly, did the organisational change meet the objectives being sought: that is, better coordination and greater efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness? Secondly, were Australia's capabilities in managing its international relations enhanced by the merger? The article reaches mainly positive conclusions.Keywords: institutional framework; international relations; international trade; Australia200210.1080/103577102201474332015-12-12