The article analyses Australia’s position on key global governance issues. The topic gains prominence due to the upcoming 2014 Australian presidency in the G20. The analysis has been carried out on the basis of the G20 documents and data from national sources (laws, national programs, leaders’ statements etc).

Given the priorities of Australia’s socio-economic development and the government’s stance on major international issues, the G20 agenda issues that appear to be of high importance to Australia are: international development assistance, energy and structural reforms, particularly the development of transport infrastructure.

The analysis revealed that Australia during its G20 presidency is likely to carry forward the agenda on promoting economic growth and creating new jobs. Australian experience with structural reforms, upgrading transport infrastructure in order to boost domestic economic growth and employment, can prove valuable in developing the G20 agenda. Australia may also have interest in discussing measures to contain commodity prices volatility, including the issues related to food security and development, as the country actively participates in international development assistance efforts, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia’s unique position within the region can define its role as a mediator between the interests of western developed nations and the fast growing Asian countries in the G20.

The study is implemented within the project of the Russian International Affairs Council and International Organizations Research Institute National Research University Higher School of Economics “Enhancing Effectiveness of Russia’s Participation in G20, G8 and BRICS”.