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
Chair
|
Senator Kate Lundy
|
|
Deputy
Chair
|
Mr Patrick Secker MP (until
9/03/10)
Mr Michael Johnson MP (from 17/03/10)
|
|
Members
|
Hon Dick Adams MP
|
Senator Judith Adams (from 11/03/10)
|
|
Ms Anna Burke MP
|
Senator Trish Crossin
|
|
Ms Annette Ellis MP
Mr Michael Johnson MP (from 9/03/10)
|
Senator the Hon Alan Ferguson
Senator Gary Humphries (until
7/09/09, then from 27/10/09)
|
|
Mr Paul Neville MP
Mr Jim Turnour MP
|
Senator Barnaby Joyce (until
11/03/10)
Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion (from 7/09/09 until 27/10/09)
|
Membership of the delegation
Leader
|
Senator Kate Lundy
|
Deputy
Leader
|
Mr Patrick Secker MP
|
Members
|
Hon Dick Adams MP
|
|
Ms Anna Burke MP
|
|
Senator Trish Crossin
Senator the Hon Alan Ferguson
Senator Gary Humphries
Mr Paul Neville MP
|
Delegation
Secretary
|
Ms Stephanie Mikac
|
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
ANDRILL
|
Antarctic Geological Drilling
|
CAML
|
Census of Antarctic Marine Life
|
CCI
|
Capital City Initiative
|
FADT
|
New Zealand Select Committee on
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
|
IOTs
|
Indian Ocean Territories
|
MP
|
Member of Parliament
|
NZ
|
New Zealand
|
PCEP
|
Australia-New Zealand
Parliamentary Committee Exchange Program
|
RSE
|
Recognised Seasonal Employer
|
SDPA
|
Sustainable Development Programme
of Action
|
USA
|
United States of America
|
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.