The Australian and NZ governments have released a joint response to the Productivity Commissions recommendations on strengthening trans-Tasman relations. The response to the recommendations about improving the rights of New Zealanders in Australia is particularly disappointing: Recommendations 4.24 The Australian Government should address the issues faced by a small but growing number of non-Protected Special Category Visa holders living long term in Australia, including their access to certain welfare supports and voting rights. This requires policy changes by the Australian Government, including the development of a pathway to achieve permanent residency and/or citizenship. Response: New Zealanders have virtually unrestricted access to travel, live, study and work in Australia, and have access to a number of government-funded services including Medicare and Commonwealth-funded education places. There are permanent visa options for New Zealand citizens creating the pathway for permanent residency. Information for New Zealanders living in Australia is publicly available on various government agency websites, including the High Commissions in both countries, and a new communication strategy is under development (see response to recommendation 4.23 above). It is not expected that existing arrangements will be changed in the near future, beyond measures already announced. However, the Australian and New Zealand governments will continue to discuss areas for further consideration should opportunities become apparent.
Posted on: Fri, 09 May 2014 22:51:28 +0000
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