Source: BusinessNZ
The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) has welcomed agreement by the Australian and New Zealand Governments to implement nine ANZLF member recommendations designed to streamline the trans-Tasman economy.
Moving from concept to implementation, the recommendations focus on removing regulatory barriers, strengthening supply chains, and building joint industrial and defence industry capabilities.
ANZLF Australian Co-Chair John Paitaridis said the agreement marks a significant shift toward practical outcomes.
“Australia and New Zealand have a highly integrated economic relationship, but businesses still encounter unnecessary differences in rules and standards,” Mr Paitaridis said.
“In a more uncertain global environment, having both Governments agree on these priorities allows us to turn shared goals into changes businesses can actually use. Our objective is to ensure the Single Economic Market keeps pace with how our businesses and economies are changing and make an already strong relationship work even better.”
ANZLF New Zealand Co-Chair Greg Lowe emphasised that execution will be the ultimate test.
“Success isn’t agreement on paper, it is fewer barriers, higher productivity, more resilient supply chains, and stronger trans-Tasman capabilities,” Mr Lowe said.
“That is where the ANZLF can add real value. Our members operate across both markets daily. We look forward to working alongside both Governments to identify where changes will make the biggest practical difference and ensure these recommendations deliver real-world momentum and growth.”
The agreement builds on the 2025 and 2026 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meetings, where Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon tasked the ANZLF to develop proposals and subsequently welcomed its plan to strengthen trans-Tasman economic security and the business environment.
The Prime Ministers recognised the ANZLF’s role in bringing the trans-Tasman business community together and confirmed government agencies will continue engaging with the ANZLF, drawing on further recommendations to implement practical measures that ease the costs of doing business and support growth.
About the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum:
The ANZLF brings together senior business and government leaders to deepen the trans-Tasman relationship and drive mutual economic prosperity.