Australia Assists strengthens Australia’s ability to deploy specialists to impact, and enhance Australia's foreign policy and international diplomacy efforts.  

The Program's specialists deploy into foreign governments, United Nations agencies, and national and international NGOs. Australia Assists supports host organisations while also strengthening Australia’s bilateral and multilateral relationships held by the Australian Government.

The Program responds to emerging humanitarian needs as they arise, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The overall goal of the Program is to save lives and alleviate suffering by building resilience and responding to disasters and conflict. 

The Program also focuses on ensuring gender, disability and protection are effectively addressed in humanitarian action. The Program is committed to facilitating the rights of people with disabilities and strengthening disability inclusion to influence and advance Australia's global humanitarian leadership.