Preliminary Pages

Chair’s foreword

The committee welcomed the opportunity to represent the Australian Parliament in its participation in the 2009 committee exchange program.

The committee undertook its visit to New Zealand in the context of gaining a better understanding of how New Zealand administers its external territories of Tokelau in the Pacific and the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. In addition, in line with its advisory role on the national capital, the committee was interested to compare the way in which urban design is applied to the capital of New Zealand. The committee also renewed its parliament to parliament ties.

In regard to New Zealand’s external territory in the Pacific, the committee was able to gain an insight into the complexities of ensuring adequate service delivery and gain an appreciation of the challenges which may be encountered in seeking to improve economic development for a small and relatively isolated economy.

In addition, the committee was fortunate to be given the opportunity to meet with the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (FADT) to discuss ongoing inquiries which were of mutual benefit.

At the time of the committee’s visit to New Zealand it was inquiring into the changing economic environment in the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The visit greatly enhanced the committee’s understanding of the types of economic and social challenges which may be encountered through its inquiry and also provided it with the opportunity to relay Australia’s experience in administration of its external territories.

In a broader context, the committee gained a greater appreciation of Australia and New Zealand’s joint role in the Pacific region through its meetings with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Murray McCully MP and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The committee was also appreciative of the opportunity to meet with the Hon Chris Carter MP, Shadow spokesperson for Foreign Affairs.

In conclusion, and on behalf of the committee, I would like to thank the range of groups, departments and individuals in New Zealand who participated in the visit meetings and activities. The support and enthusiasm of all involved ensured the visit was productive and memorable.

Senator Lundy

Chair

Membership of the committee

Membership of the delegation

Visit objectives

The objectives of the 2009 Committee Exchange Program with New Zealand was to:

n      Renew links with the New Zealand Parliament.

n      Develop enhanced contacts with New Zealand’s Parliamentary committees and, in particular, the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (FADT) committee.

n      Gain an insight into and appreciation of the FADT committee’s inquiries on:

§  New Zealand’s relationship with South Pacific countries with particular reference to sustainable development

§  Financial review of the New Zealand Antarctic Institute.

n      Acquire an understanding of the New Zealand Government’s experience in administering its external territories.

List of abbreviations

Acknowledgements

During its visit to New Zealand as part of the Parliamentary Committee Exchange Program from 24-27 August 2009, the committee met with a range of parliamentarians and departmental officers, all of whom were welcoming and assisted the delegation through discussion that was of mutual interest and benefit.

In particular, the committee thanks: the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith MP, Speaker of the Parliament of New Zealand, the Hon Murray McCully MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Chris Carter MP, Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, the Parliament of New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee, the New Zealand-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Officers of various public service agencies including Antarctica New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, the Department of Labour, Immigration New Zealand, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Health.

The committee also acknowledges and thanks His Excellency, Dr John Larkindale, New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia, Ms Amanda Gorely, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in New Zealand and His Excellency Mr George Fergusson, High Commissioner, British High Commission and Governor of the Pitcairn Islands.

For their assistance and professional support throughout the visit, the committee thanks Mr Max Simmons, Visits Manager, Department of Internal Affairs and Ms Kate Thornton, Parliamentary Officer – Inward Visit Programme, Office of the Clerk, Parliament of New Zealand.