PMs Key and Abbott meet in Auckland
Prime Minister John Key met with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Auckland today for their annual Leaders’
Talks.
“Prime Minister Abbott and I had an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues and to reflect on the areas where we
might be able to do more,” says Mr Key.
“Australia remains New Zealand’s closest bilateral partner. We enjoy close ties in all areas of our relationship,
including in the trade, economic, defence, people-to-people and sporting areas.
“This year is a significant one for both countries with the co-hosting of the Cricket World Cup, and the Centenary of
the First World War and the formation of the ANZACs.
“Our cooperation and sense of shared purpose is even stronger today than it was one hundred years ago and is
considerably more diverse.”
Mr Abbott and Mr Key acknowledged an arrangement between the two countries for the recovery of student loans to assist
New Zealand to recoup unpaid student loans in Australia.
They also acknowledged the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow for Criminal History Information
Sharing for Employment vetting purposes.
Mr Key welcomed Prime Minister Abbott’s agreement to progress an arrangement covering deportations. The Prime Ministers
agreed that the relevant agencies from the two countries would develop a Memorandum of Understanding to share more
information about Trans-Tasman deportations, so that appropriate due diligence and risk management procedures can be put
in place.
“It is in both countries best interest to manage deportations in such a way that minimises the risk posed to both
countries and ensures appropriate steps are taken to flag any high-risk individuals,” says Mr Key.
Mr Key and Mr Abbott also discussed the progress of the trans-Tasman Single Economic Market agenda and their joint
engagement in regional and global trade initiatives.
“One hundred years on from the Gallipoli landings, my meeting with Prime Minister Abbott has once more underlined that
the relationship between New Zealand and Australia is as strong as ever, and our commitment to ensuring that it
continues to flourish.”
ENDS