PM attends moving Brisbane service as new NZ citizenship laws celebrated

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins for a number of moving events in Brisbane on Sunday. Here’s what was going on.

New citizenship laws which will allow New Zealanders an easier pass to Australian citizenship have been described as a “win-win” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a visit to Brisbane on Sunday.

Mr Albanese was in the River City alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins for a number of events, including presiding over a citizenship ceremony of the more than 200 New Zealanders.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins chat after a citizenship ceremony in Brisbane. Picture: Pat Hoelscher/AFP

The visit comes as the federal government announced from July 1, New Zealand citizens living in Australia who hold a special category visa will be able to apply directly for Australian citizenship without going through the permanent residence provision first.

“Welcoming new Australian citizens will just strengthen the bonds between our great nations,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s literally a win-win in all aspects, which is why the announcement that we’ve made this weekend. We’ve been working closely with the Prime Minister (since) our first meeting just a couple of months ago. I’d set the target - and the target was to get all this done prior to Anzac Day.

“Because Tuesday is about commemorating and honouring our forebears who fought for democratic values and fought for our freedom.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins after an Australian citizenship ceremony for permanent resident from New Zealand, held in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA Newswire

Mr Hipkins also welcomed the new arrangements, saying “Australia and New Zealand are more than friends, we are family”.

“People to people links are at the core of our relationship, both of our governments and the public,” he said.

“We acknowledge that the situation in Australia for many New Zealanders has been challenging.

“New Zealanders have long sought a fair go for them, and arrangements that are reciprocal to what is offered to Australians living in New Zealand.

“So I’m pleased to be here today to mark a significant scheme that Australia has taken to make the pathway to citizenship much easier for New Zealanders who choose to live and work permanently here.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (on the right) with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins pay their respects at two formerly unmarked New Zealand and Australian WWI veterans graves at the Lutwyche Cemetery in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Earlier in the day Mr Albanese and Mr Hipkins laid poppies and a wreath at the Lutwyche Cemetery, honouring 10 WW1 New Zealand soldiers who previously had unmarked graves.

Mr Albanese also paid tribute to the late Barry Humphries, describing the entertainer as a “comic genius”.

“He also showcased that uniquely Australian sense of humour to the world,” he said.

“He will be missed by so many of his family, loved ones, and indeed, he is one of the most loved Australians.

“I pay tribute to him today, and to his enormous contribution to Australia.”

Mr Hipkins also acknowledged the passing of the iconic comedian, saying Mr Humphries’ most famous comic character Dame Edna Everage was “an institution in New Zealand ‘’ as well as in Australia.

“I’m sure New Zealanders will also be feeling the loss,” he said.