The minister is appointed by the prime minister. Historically the position must be approved by the Senate but this was removed in 1988 after it caused problems for minority governments which couldn't form proper cabinets. The minister is regarded is widely regarded as one of the most important roles along with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure, Minister for Security and Minister for Home Affairs. The current minister is Louis Ross who was the former Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee under Stanley Williams.