A press release from NZ First leader Winston Peters
31 July 2015
Australian Labor Doing Right Thing for Kiwis in Oz
New Zealand First is pleased the Australian Labor Party favours fairer treatment for Kiwis living in Australia.
“New Zealanders have a high net worth to Australia, lower unemployment rates, and should be recognised for the valuable contribution they make to their economy,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“Many of the 650,000 or more New Zealanders living in Australia are skilled workers who are paying full taxes to the Australian government but not receiving full benefits. We agree with the Australian Labor party - this has got to change.
“New Zealand First would like to see the Australian Government put the fair treatment of New Zealanders at the top of their decision making list. It's high time New Zealanders were recognised as citizens on the same level as anyone else moving to Australia.
“On the ground, our Australian cousins are often startled when they learn that their Kiwi work colleagues are worse off than immigrants from many other countries.
“New Zealanders should not be at the bottom of the heap.”