Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister

4 February 2013 Media Statement

Prime Ministers Key and Gillard to meet in Queenstown

Prime Minister John Key will host Australian counterpart Julia Gillard in Queenstown this coming weekend for the annual New Zealand – Australia Prime Ministers’ talks.

“This year marks 30 years since the conclusion of CER, one of the most comprehensive and successful trade agreements in the world. CER has helped make Australia and New Zealand two of the most integrated economies anywhere,” says Mr Key.

“With Prime Minister Gillard, I also look forward to discussing the recommendations of our Joint Productivity Commissions’ report into strengthening economic relations between Australia and New Zealand.”

The Prime Ministers will also discuss cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and other parts of the world, particularly as Australia looks towards assuming presidency of the G20 and a seat on the UN Security Council. Australia and New Zealand’s engagement on defence and security matters, including cooperation on cyber-security, will also be on the agenda.

“I look forward to this annual meeting with Prime Minister Gillard. It provides the opportunity to build on our shared ties and discuss areas where we can engage in a constructive manner.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Gillard to New Zealand. I look forward to making progress on our shared agendas and strengthening the friendship between our respective countries.”

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>