Oz Kiwi Questionnaire

1. Do you believe that Australias policies towards New Zealanders

permanently residing there under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement
are reasonable? Why do you hold this view?
New Zealand First believes that the treatment of New Zealanders living in Australia
is unfair.
We warned that the immigrant use of New Zealand as a bolt hole to Australia would
have consequences, but we were ignored. The Howard government changed the
rules and New Zealanders have become second-class citizens in Australia.
New Zealand First, and no other party, not National, Labour or the Greens, or any
other political party, consistently spoke out on behalf of New Zealanders living in
Australia.
New Zealanders who arrived after 2001 pay their taxes, but have limited access to
certain benefits, how could this be fair.

2. Do you believe that questions of the rights of Trans-Tasman migrants
must be addressed as a core issue in the development and operation of
the Single Economic Market?

The Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) between Australia and New
Zealand has been praised by the international community as a comprehensive and
effective trade agreement. However, the status of New Zealanders permanently
residing in Australia need to be properly addressed!


3. What effect do you consider current Australian policies towards New
Zealand citizens are having on the Trans-Tasman relationship?
The Trans-Tasman relationship is important, which is why the equitable treatment
and status of New Zealanders living in Australia needs to be addressed to minimise
any future negative impact.

4. What responsibility do you believe New Zealand has to protect the
rights of its citizens who exercise their free movement rights within
Australasia?
Australia has the responsibility to determine the rights and responsibilities of its
citizens and residents.

5. There are currently a variety of outstanding issues in the Trans-
Tasman relationship and proposals to strengthen it. Could you please
indicate which of the following you support and rank those you support
in order of priority:

a. Improving the rights of Trans-Tasman migrants.
b. Establishment of a common external border and removal of
Trans-Tasman passport controls.
We would support this.

c. Adoption of a common currency.
d. Establishment of a customs union.
e. Removal of current exemptions under the Trans-Tasman
Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
f. Mutual recognition of imputation credits.
Please also indicate any other matters you consider to be priorities in
the further development of the Australia-New Zealand relationship.

6. Oz Kiwi has put together a proposal [attached] for a sustainable
settlement on the rights of Trans-Tasman migrants. This has gained
substantial support amongst New Zealanders in Australia and has been
recognised as a fair and reasonable proposal by a range of business
groups, unions, and senior Australian politicians.

Do you commit, if you form part of the next government, to present this
proposal to the Australian Government and publicly state your support?

New Zealand First will consider all detailed and comprehensive proposals relating to
improving the status of New Zealanders in Australia.