We often hear people back in New Zealand dismiss calls for Australia to change its policies towards New Zealand citizens. Some dont care, as they believe it doesnt affect them. Some say it is Australias business and they shouldnt interfere. Some blame those Kiwis affected by Australian policies for their own predicament or say it serves them right for leaving New Zealand. These views are complete nonsense. Australian policies deeply affect New Zealand and all New Zealanders. They should be a matter of serious concern for anyone who cares about New Zealand. Over the past three decades, Australia and New Zealand have undertaken a process of economic unification. This has been driven by a vision of a borderless Australasia, in which people, goods, and capital move freely, as if Australia and New Zealand were a single country. For this vision to be a reality, Australian and New Zealand people, goods, and capital must be treated equally wherever they are in Australasia. The unilateral 2001 changes enacted by the Australian Government are a gross violation of this principle. New Zealanders are no longer treated equally in Australia. On account of this, New Zealanders are no longer equal participants in the single Australasian market. Australians can take practically any public or private sector job throughout Australasia. New Zealanders cannot. Australians can enlist in the defence forces wherever they are in Australasia. New Zealanders cannot. Australians can exercise the right to vote throughout Australasia. New Zealanders cannot. Australians can receive the full range of government supports and payments throughout Australasia. New Zealanders cannot. Young Australians are given the support they need to advance their education throughout Australasia. Young New Zealanders are not. Disabled Australians can move throughout Australasia safe in the knowledge they can receive whatever support they need. Disabled New Zealanders cannot. This is fundamentally a question about New Zealands future. Is New Zealand to be an equal partner to Australia? Or, is it to accept a permanently subordinate status for itself and its people? No one who believes that New Zealand is a great country or that its people are as good as Australias can sit idly by and let the current situation continue. If you consider yourself a proud New Zealander, you must stand up for a fairer trans-Tasman relationship. Your countrys future depends on it. - Tim
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:30:01 +0000
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