24 July 2016

In 2012, the Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions released a joint report, “Strengthening Economic Relations between Australia and New Zealand”.

The report recommended the Australian Government seriously reconsider the policies it had enacted in relation to New Zealand citizens since 2001. It called for much improved access for New Zealanders in Australia to citizenship, voting rights, education, and social security.

“The Australian Government should address the issues faced by a small but growing number of non-Protected SCV-holders living long term in Australia, including their access to certain welfare supports and voting rights. This requires policy changes by the Australian Government, including the development of a pathway to achieve permanent residency and/or citizenship.”

Productivity Commission of Australia and Productivity Commission of New Zealand 2012

Whilst the Australian Government has taken some small steps to address some of these recommendations, the overall problems remain much the same. In some areas, for example disability services, the situation has become much worse.

We continue to push for a full and reasonable implementation of the Productivity Commissions’ recommendations.

The read the New Zealand and Australia Productivity Commissions full report.

How you can help

Contact the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP and cc and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Hon Senator Kristina Keneally.

Also email a PDF of your letter the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Winston Peters MP.

Explain why you or your family aren’t eligible for citizenship, and what becoming a citizen would mean to you. Ask what their position is on a fair citizenship pathway for all New Zealanders residing in Australia. Download the Fair Pathway letter template to use.

For more information, refer to Fair pathway to citizenship.