It involves the Australian Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence as well as the US Secretaries of State and Defense, with senior officials from both portfolios.

[1][2] The events are important in the relationship between Australia and the United States, and they enable discussion on major global and regional political issues, as well as deepening bilateral foreign security and defense cooperation.

The 2011 event marked the 60th anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) alliance.

It was attended by US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, and the Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith.

[5] Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken were hosted by Penny Wong and Richard Marles.