Albanese-Ardern meeting flags citizenship and voting rights changes for New Zealanders
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signaled New Zealanders could be given an easier pathway to Australian citizenship and voting rights, and said the government would adopt a more “commonsense” approach to deporting New Zealand citizens convicted of crimes.
Joanne Cox, Oz Kiwi Chair told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live that this decision has been 10 years in the making, however they knew the day would come.
“This signals that the Australian Labor government are committed to looking at the pathway of citizenship for New Zealanders and it was something that needed to be addressed as it is causing inequities,” Ms Cox said.
“New Zealand is just as fair – Australia can get off the plane, have a job, after a year they can vote in New Zealand local elections and later, can apply for citizenship. Whereas a New Zealander arriving in Australia does not get anything under the equivalent.”
Press PLAY to hear why this is being considered