Australia has announced that New Zealanders who have been living in Australia for four years can now apply for Australian citizenship. 

The move is expected to make it easier for the estimated 350,000 New Zealanders living in Australia to vote and receive government benefits. 

Children born in Australia to New Zealand parents who meet certain criteria will also gain automatic Australian citizenship. The changes are set to take effect from July 1.

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the new “direct pathway to citizenship” is a reasonable opportunity for many New Zealand citizens who choose to live and contribute to Australia. 

The move is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two nations. 

“It is reasonable they have the opportunity to become Australian citizens and enjoy the rights and obligations that come from citizenship,” the PM said. 

The announcement was made as part of a broader discussion between the two countries about strengthening ties. 

During a question-and-answer session at the 40th Closer Economic Relations anniversary dinner, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins spoke about the relationship. 

Chalmers said he takes inspiration from New Zealand’s approach to a broad focus on economic and social issues. 

Hipkins said that trade was one of the factors at the centre of strengthening the relationship and that aligning regulatory systems plays a crucial role in making things easier.

Climate change was also discussed as a topic of concern. Hipkins said the challenges are great when it comes to keeping the lid on a global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. 

“New Zealand and Australia will both be very attuned to the Pacific concern about climate change where they’re already seeing the effects of rising global temperatures,” Hipkins said. “We’ve seen cooperation between New Zealand and Australia with regard to recent extreme weather events that we have seen.”