The current SP&I Group was established on 8 February 2016 as a key recommendation of the First Principles Review of the Australian Defence Organisation, integrating all policy, strategy and intelligence functions of the Australian Government Department of Defence.
The current position of Deputy Secretary Strategic Policy and Intelligence traces its origins back to the position of Deputy Secretary "B", the principal policy official within the Department of Defence.
The inaugural Deputy Secretary "B" was Gordon Blakers from 1966 to 1978, followed by William Pritchett from 1978 to 1979, George Cawsey from 1979 to 1981, Alan Wrigley from 1982 to 1985, and John M. Moten from 1985 to 1988.
Following the First Principles Review of Defence, Peter Baxter became the first Deputy Secretary Strategic Policy and Intelligence in 2016 and was succeeded by Rebecca Skinner later that year.
The Branch also manages international engagement on counter-terrorism and multilateral regional issues.
[8] The Global Interests Branch provides policy guidance on Australia's defence interests, peacekeeping operations, and relationships with Afghanistan, countries in the Middle East including Israel, African countries, Canada, European countries, and multilateral institutions such as the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the United Nations.
[9] The Major Powers Branch provides policy guidance on Australia's interests with the United States of America and in North Asia and bilateral defence relationships with the United States of America through the US Alliance Policy Section,[10] and Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the People's Republic of China.
[12] The Directorate of International Training and Visits provides protocol advice and logistical support regarding high-profile visits by foreign officials to Australia and by Australian officials overseas as well as international training coordination.
The Australian Defence Staff in Washington DC is led by a two-star rank officer and works to build relationships with the United States and promote Australian defence and security interests.
There is also a Defence Liaison at the Australia Consulate-General in Honolulu, Hawaii, responsible for managing relations with the United States Pacific Command.
The Australian Defence Staff in London is led by a one-star rank officer.
The Australian Defence Staff in Jakarta is led by a one-star rank officer.
The Royal Australian Navy Naval Attaché provides maritime force advice.
The Branch also contributes to Australia's international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through participation in multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes.