Albanese and Luxon to chart next phase of Australia–New Zealand partnership

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Queensland on Saturday for the annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting, with economic resilience, fuel supply challenges and regional security high on the agenda.

The meeting, to be held in Noosa, comes as both countries navigate global economic uncertainty and ongoing fuel and supply chain pressures.

The leaders are expected to discuss measures to boost economic growth, strengthen the Australia–New Zealand Single Economic Market, deepen defence and security cooperation, and enhance collaboration across the Pacific region.

Albanese described New Zealand as Australia’s closest ally and partner, highlighting the significance of the relationship as the two countries mark 75 years of alliance under the ANZUS Treaty.

“Australia has no closer friend, neighbour and ally than New Zealand,” Albanese said.

“Our Alliance is more important than ever in the face of global uncertainty.”

Luxon said maintaining close cooperation with Australia was critical in an increasingly volatile global environment.

“Australia is our only formal ally, our most important economic partner, the place a number of Kiwis call home, and a holiday destination for many of us,” he said.

“It’s critical we continue working closely with Australia in a more volatile and uncertain world, including as we navigate the current fuel and supply chain challenges.”

The two leaders are also expected to discuss opportunities to strengthen trans-Tasman trade, investment and innovation through engagement with business leaders at the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, Luxon will hold talks with David Crisafulli and representatives of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee to explore opportunities for New Zealand businesses linked to preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Noosa summit follows the previous Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting held in Queenstown in August 2025 and marks Luxon’s third official visit to Australia as prime minister.

The discussions are expected to reinforce the close strategic, economic and people-to-people ties that underpin one of the Pacific region’s most enduring partnerships.

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