New Zealand Attorney General Chris Finlayson attended the third ‘Quintet’ meeting of Attorneys-General.

The meeting was hosted by Australian Attorney General Robert McClelland in Sydney and attended by representatives from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. 

The group meets annually to share ideas and deal with issues of mutual concern such as counter-terrorism, national security, countering extremism, organised crime and legal cooperation.

Ministers English and Swan progress trans-Tasman relationship
Considerable progress has been made in further strengthening trans-Tasman ties, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan said.

After talks in Wellington, the ministers released a stock take showing the steps taken towards the creation of a Single Economic Market between the two countries since an outcome framework was announced in August 2009.

Prime Minister John Key announced on 20 June the intention of the Australian and New Zealand Governments to proceed with the establishment of the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA).

The new agency will regulate medicines, medical devices and new medical interventions such as cellular therapy.

“Following discussions with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, we have decided officials on both sides of the Tasman will immediately begin work on the implementation of the new agency,” says Mr Key.

Address to Australian Parliament

Mr Harry Jenkins, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senator the Honourable John Hogg, President of the Senate.

The Honourable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia.

The Honourable Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition.

Honourable Members of the Australian Parliament.

Distinguished guests.

It is a great privilege to address you in this esteemed chamber.