The forum wants an open and simplified trans-Tasman border
The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum has called for the modernisation of the 40-year-old Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement, including the removal of barriers to the movements of people and goods.
“The findings of the recent ANZLF Business Survey highlighted a pressing need for Australia and New Zealand to embrace this opportune moment and modernise CER,” said Greg Lowe (pictured above), ANZLF co-chair for New Zealand. “By doing so, both nations can facilitate the seamless movement of capital, people, goods, and services in the digital age, fully unlocking the potential of the Single Economic Market.”
The ANZLF is by invitation and is a high-level meeting of business and government leaders from Australia and New Zealand. It aims to foster and strengthen the trans-Tasman relationship, encourage economic growth, and enhance the prosperity of both nations.
ANZLF co-chair Pip Marlow said breaking these barriers would enable the two nations “to reach the true potential” of their people and products.
“Businesses on both sides of the Tasman are clear that there are huge benefits to modernizing CER, especially as both nations focus on collaboration with Indigenous peoples, digitising the economy, and achieving net zero carbon emissions,” Marlow said.
On the back of the ANZLF Business Survey and the CER celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the forum is encouraging both the Australian and New Zealand governments to:
- deliver an open and simplified trans-Tasman border, to ensure a smooth flow of goods and people between Australia and New Zealand
- include climate change considerations within the CER framework, to align the shared objectives of achieving net-zero emissions
- integrate the digital economy into CER to future-proof a more seamless trans-Tasman regulatory environment and enable the bilateral trade and economic relationship to navigate the complexities of 21st-century business models.
The forthcoming 15th ANZLF meeting, which will be held in Pōneke, Wellington on July 18-19, will also tackle other important themes, including an expanded work programme for the Australia Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous Collaboration Arrangement, as well the common challenges in the infrastructure sector, such as skilled labour shortages, inflationary pressures, and the imperative to decarbonise infrastructure.
Another anticipated part of the CER 40-year anniversary programme is the further evolution of the bilateral Science, Research, and Innovation Cooperation Agreement.
“This report can be the foundation for action in making the Australia New Zealand relationship even stronger,” the co-chairs said. “Together, both countries can tackle the dynamic challenges of the next 40 years, while taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities our people, products, and innovation will bring.”
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