PM offers welcome to new Aussie PM
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has congratulated Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on winning the Australian federal election.
Albanese emerged victorious over Scott Morrison after an epic, six-week election campaign, ending the conservative coalition’s almost decade-long reign.
Ardern said she spoke to Albanese this morning.
“It was a warm conversation and I’m really looking forward to formally meeting with him soon,” Ardern said.
“Anthony and I have had the chance to meet before and I have no doubt we’ll have a strong working relationship that will serve both countries well.”
The implications of Albanese’s victory for New Zealand remain to be seen, but throughout the campaign he has taken a softer stance on key issues including immigration and opposed the Morrison Government’s bid to increase 501 deportations.
Ardern said Australia was New Zealand’s “most important partner”.
“Our only official ally and single economic market relationship, and I believe our countries will work even more closely together in these tumultuous times.”
Ardern also acknowledged “the strong working relationship” with Morrison, who’d been Australia’s Prime Minister since 2018.
“I am confident that the close and unique relationship between New Zealand and Australia will continue under Mr Albanese’s leadership.
“I hope to meet Prime Minister Albanese in the near future, and look forward to working with him on a range of issues including supporting New Zealanders living in Australia, making transtasman business even easier, deepening our partnership with our close friends in the Pacific, and advancing our interests on the world stage
“Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are at our best when we work together; when we acknowledge our mutual interests, our shared values and the uniqueness of our perspectives; when we stand united as allies and whānau, recognising the strength in our diversity.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Grant Robertson also congratulated Albanese and shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers on their win.
“Look forward to working with [Chalmers] on how our economies can grow together. I also want to acknowledge the constructive relationship I have had with [former treasurer] Josh Frydenberg, and wish him well for the future.”
National Party leader Christopher Luxon congratulated Albanese and said he would make a “good partner for New Zealand”.
“Australia is New Zealand’s closest friend. Our deep ties cross historical, cultural and sporting connections, beyond what we share with any other country. It is vital for our shared interests that we continue to work to strengthen the relationship.
“I have met Anthony Albanese several times and I always found him to be friendly, open and engaged. He will make a good partner for New Zealand and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Albanese said the win was an “incredible honour”.
“I want to unite people. People want to come together, look for common interest, look towards the sense of common purpose,” he said.
I believe our countries will work even more closely together in these tumultuous times. Jacinda Ardern