Friday, 14 May 2004

Copeland: Common currency should be explored

United Future finance spokesman Gordon Copeland today added his voice to
the growing chorus, on both sides of the Tasman, for a good hard look at
the possibility of a common currency between Australia and New Zealand.

"This matter has been kicked around by business leaders and officials on
both sides of the Tasman for several years. I suggest that a high level
trans-Tasman working group be established to look at the plusses and
minuses of a common currency.

"I am not asking Finance Minister Michael Cullen to make a commitment one
way or the other at this point in time, but I think it is the moment to
demonstrate some leadership so that we can establish the facts and move to
longer term decisions on an evidential basis.

"In the past the issue has been raised on this side of the Tasman with
seemingly little interest from the Australians. Since that position has
now reversed I think the time is right for the two nations to take the
matter to the next level and begin to look at the nitty gritty."

Ends.

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