[3][4] It is one of only four ministerial positions (along with prime minister, attorney-general and treasurer) that have existed since Federation.

The three main entities responsible for formulating defence policy within Defence are the Air Power Development Centre, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and Sea Power Centre - Australia.

[6] Additionally, the minister releases white papers, that assess Australia's current defence capabilities and set out areas of reform.

John Curtin initially followed the same arrangement as Menzies in his ministry until 14 April 1942, when he took the title of Minister for Defence.

The separate titles of Ministers for the Navy, the Army and the Air were abolished in the second Whitlam Ministry on 30 November 1973, when the separate departments of Navy, Army and Air were also abolished.