‘Seventh state’: Fresh calls for Australia and New Zealand to join forces

The former deputy prime minister says Australia can bring New Zealand in as its seventh state without a referendum because it's part of the Constitution.

Barnaby Joyce has backed calls to make New Zealand a part of Australia, arguing there would be huge military and economic benefits for a seventh state.

The Nationals MP, who was forced to reveal to parliament that he was a Kiwi citizen in 2017, said he didn’t think NZ would be on board but thought Australia should “put it out there”.

“We could help them out with the cricket. They can help us out with rugby,” Mr Joyce said on Tuesday.

“Logically, why do we have two defence Forces and two different monetary policies?

“It should be a single policy.“

“It was supposed to happen. We can bring them in without a referendum. It is part of the constitution.”

Mr Joyce told parliament he was no longer a New Zealand citizen after completing a “renunciation process.” Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Mr Joyce’s calls come after a retiring New Zealand MP gave a speech to parliament last week urging fellow Kiwis to give up their independence and become a part of Australia.

Labour MP Jamie Strange referred to clause 6 of Australia's Constitution, which specifically allows for NZ to become one of its states should it wish to do so.

“My personal view – and it’s only a personal view – is that New Zealanders shouldn’t rule that out,” Mr Strange said.

“There would certainly be economic benefits, economies of scale in the private and public sector, opening Aldi stores on our shores.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced visa change rules for Kiwis in July, a day ahead of meeting with his NZ counterpart Chris Hipkins. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said she thought the change would bring a “massive benefit to Tasmania.”

“We can stop doing the heavy lifting with mainlanders and we can swing in from the flanks. New Zealand can do it itself,” Senator Lambie joked on Tuesday.

The Albanese government recently eased citizenship rules for New Zealanders, allowing nearly half a million Kiwis living in the country to become Australian citizens.

About 670,000 New Zealanders currently live in Australia, with about 70,000 Australians in New Zealand.