Prime ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese are calling on their business leaders for reform proposals that will create “seamless economic integration” as the two countries grapple with more contested global affairs.
Luxon and Albanese are hosting their annual leadership forum roundtable in Noosa, Queensland, accompanied by high-powered business executives from both sides of the Tasman as the two prime ministers seek closer economic ties.
Luxon and Albanese held a joint press conference after another meeting between the pair this afternoon.
A media stand-up with Luxon will be available at the top of this article.
Australia and NZ PMs Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon chairing the annual leaders' meeting alongside high-powered business execs in Noosa. Photo / Adam Pearse
In opening this morning’s meeting, Albanese lamented the turmoil affecting global trade, namely the ramifications of the Middle East conflict on fuel supply.
“Economic integration is really what we’re looking for in a seamless way,” he said.
“We want to hear from the CEOs today about what more we can do as respective governments.
“Both of us want to make sure that we’re responsive, that you are in the best position, to put forward practical initiatives and reforms as well.
Australia PM Anthony Albanese opened the meeting. Photo / Adam Pearse
“That includes supply chain vulnerabilities, doing more technological research together, reinforcing ... our sovereign defence industries.”
Albanese noted both governments had agreed on “eight concrete actions” which originated from last year’s annual meeting in Queenstown. He did not elaborate on what those actions were.
New Zealand’s business representatives included engineering and consulting firm Beca strategic growth advisor Greg Lowe, infrastructure investment firm Infratil chief executive Jason Boyes, Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui and Spark chief executive Jolie Hodson.
Several high-powered Australian business leaders would also be involved, including from fuel supplier and retailer Ampol, cyber security company CyberCX and steel producer Bluescope.
NZ PM Christopher Luxon reiterated the need for economic resilience. Photo / Adam Pearse
Luxon, speaking after Albanese, echoed the need to build resilience.
“Ultimately, we can’t control everything in global affairs, but what we can control is a much stronger home in Australia and NZ.”
Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.
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