23 January 2004 Media Statement

Cullen-Costello bilateral in Melbourne next week

The CER relationship will be high on the agenda when Finance Minister Michael Cullen goes to Melbourne next week as guest of Australian Treasurer Peter Costello.

The meeting will build on the success of Mr Costello’s visit to Wellington at Dr Cullen’s invitation in February last year when both ministers agreed to meet annually.

“Australia and CER are very important to the New Zealand economy so this is an important opportunity,” Dr Cullen said.

“Our talks will focus on how to strengthen trans-Tasman integration through the coordination of business, competition policy and regulatory law.”

Dr Cullen arrives in Melbourne on Thursday, 29 January where he will be hosted by Mr Costello to dinner. Other guests will include the Acting Secretary of the Australian Treasury, Jim Murphy, and the chairs of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Mr Costello and Dr Cullen will meet the following day for talks and will hold a joint press conference after which Dr Cullen will return to New Zealand.

ENDS

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