Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have concluded their Annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in Queensland, reaffirming a commitment to deepen trans-Tasman cooperation across economic, security and regional priorities.
At the end of the meeting, the leaders released a joint message highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations, particularly in response to shared challenges including fuel supply pressures and broader geopolitical uncertainty.
Prime Minister Albanese said the partnership was focused on delivering tangible benefits for both countries. “More jobs and more opportunities for businesses in our region. That’s what Prime Minister Luxon and I want for both our countries,” PM Albanese said.
“Working with business leaders from both sides of the Tasman, we’re helping create more jobs for Aussies and Kiwis.”
PM Luxon said the meeting came at a critical time for both nations, with growing pressure on global supply chains and energy markets.
“Australia is more important to New Zealand’s prosperity and resilience than ever. This year’s Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting came at a pivotal time.”
PM Luxon said discussions focused on both immediate economic pressures and longer-term strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
“With both countries responding to fuel supply challenges, we discussed our actions at home, in the Pacific and further afield to navigate the crisis,” he said.
“We also focused on realising our shared goals in the Indo-Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing region.”
The leaders also discussed defence and security cooperation, as well as ways to strengthen the Single Economic Market and deepen trade and investment ties across the Tasman.
Following the meeting, both leaders met with Australia–New Zealand Leadership Forum representatives to discuss business conditions and opportunities amid global uncertainty.
PM Luxon also met Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to discuss opportunities for New Zealand businesses ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“As Queensland gears up to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, it was good to talk to the Premier and the Organising Committee about opportunities for New Zealand businesses.”
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