Today I am meeting with New Zealand’s recently-appointed Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, in Wellington.

High on the agenda will be our strong partnership with our trans-Tasman neighbours, including the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement and the continued push for a Single Economic Market.

More broadly, we’ll discuss Labor’s opposition to the Turnbull Government’s plans to stop New Zealand citizens living in Australia from accessing publicly-funded university places.

I’m pleased to be able to visit so soon after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government was sworn in, to reiterate and reaffirm in person Australian Labor’s commitment to building on and strengthening the connection between our two nations.

The close affinity we share with New Zealand is especially strong in my own electorate of Rankin. I’m proud to represent one of the biggest Kiwi communities in the country.

I’ll also be meeting today with Minister of Civil Defence, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Kris Faafoi, and the Chair of Oz Kiwi – a terrific group that advances the interests of New Zealanders living in Australia.