“New Zealanders living in Australia on average earn far more, pay far more tax and spend less on health care than Australians, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Household Economic Survey”, said Simon Carlaw, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Manufacturers Federation.

Mr Carlaw was commenting on the recent suggestion by the Minister of Finance that New Zealanders and Australians should receive reciprocal citizenship as a way of getting closer.

“It is clear that New Zealanders bring a lot to the relationship with Australia. Dr Cullen is certainly correct in suggesting it’s time the myth of the Kiwi “dole bludger” was laid to rest.

“New Zealanders in Australia receive about a third less on average in Australian Government pensions and allowances than others, while taxes paid by employed Kiwis dwarf those paid by Australians by nearly two to one.

“The obvious success Kiwis achieve in Australia underscores the continuing flow of New Zealand talent westward in search of greater, and better paid opportunities. Before we start talking about reciprocal citizenship, there are clear signals here about the need to accelerate New Zealand’s economic growth.

“There are also a number of equally significant issues on which the Government needs to focus if it is serious about developing this country’s trading relationship with Australia. A common currency is one which should be higher on Dr Cullen’s and the Government’s agenda. There are also longstanding issues of tax and commercial law and disputes resolution that remain outstanding.

“All of these issues should be carefully considered in the forthcoming Select Committee’s review of the ANZAC relationship. Given the importance of the relationship, the Government should on this occasion be ready to respond to the Committee’s report in an equally considered, and open, way. “

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