Australia and New Zealand Strengthen Alliance at Noosa Leaders’ Meeting
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have reaffirmed the strength of the trans-Tasman relationship during the third Annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting held in Noosa, Queensland. The meeting focused on economic growth, energy security, defence cooperation, and regional stability in the Pacific.
The two leaders committed to further strengthening the Australia–New Zealand Single Economic Market, building on decades of economic integration under the Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement. Discussions centred on reducing regulatory barriers, improving productivity, supporting business investment, and enhancing cooperation in science, innovation, technology, and space industries.
Responding to ongoing global energy disruptions, Prime Ministers Albanese and Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation on fuel security, strategic reserves, supply chain resilience, and emergency planning. They welcomed joint participation in the International Energy Agency’s emergency fuel release initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open and reliable trade flows.
The leaders also marked the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, describing the alliance as a cornerstone of regional security. They endorsed the “Anzac 2035” vision for enhanced defence cooperation, including closer military integration, defence industry collaboration, and stronger intelligence-sharing arrangements.
Pacific cooperation featured prominently in discussions, with both countries reaffirming support for Pacific-led regional initiatives through the Pacific Islands Forum. The leaders pledged continued collaboration on climate resilience, disaster response, maritime security, and efforts to combat transnational crime across the region.
On international issues, the Prime Ministers expressed concern over rising tensions in the South China Sea, supported peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, called for progress in resolving the crisis in Myanmar, and reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Both leaders stressed the importance of international law, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Concluding the meeting, the leaders celebrated the enduring people-to-people links between Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the close cultural, social and economic ties that continue to define one of the world’s strongest bilateral partnerships.
Source: Joint Statement by the Prime Minister of Australia and the Prime Minister of New Zealand following the Annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting, Noosa, Queensland, 6 June 2026.
