Australian Government Annouces Assistance Available for New Zealanders Caught in Queensland/NSW Floods

Monday 6 February 2012

Prime Minister, Minister for Emergency Management

The Australian Government today activated direct payments of additional disaster assistance for communities in Queensland and Northern NSW hit by flooding as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per adult and $400 per child will be made available through Centrelink to people who have been impacted by flooding in disaster declared areas.

SmartGate trial to streamline trans-Tasman travel

New Zealand Minister for Customs Maurice Williamson and Australian Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the launch of the SmartGate trans-Tasman trial.

The trial will involve the integration of New Zealand’s and Australia’s SmartGate systems and will give some travellers the opportunity to complete part of the Australian arrivals process in New Zealand.

Speech to Trans-Tasman Business Circle

On August 4th Hon Simon Power, Minister of Commerce, spoke to the Trans Tasman Business Circle about progress being undertaken through the Single Economic Market (SEM).

Because of the depth of ties between the two countries, Minister Power highlighted that the SEM continues to strengthen the regulatory environment to enable better trans Tasman business.

He comments that New Zealand Inc can further assist this through increased co-ordination. Minister Power invited discussion on opportunities and challenges.