Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Treasurer Jim Chalmers will visit New Zealand this week to strengthen trans-Tasman collaboration and economic cooperation in the transformation to net zero, cleaner cheaper energy and action on climate change.
In a world first, Treasurers and Climate Ministers of both nations will meet for the 2+2 Climate and Finance Dialogue in Wellington, which was an outcome from last year’s Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting between Ministers from both countries.
The two countries will hold the 2+2 Dialogue annually to encourage continued leadership and collaboration on climate and work to seize opportunities from the transformation to net zero economies and advancing adaptation.
While in New Zealand, Treasurer Chalmers and Minister Bowen will attend a number of meetings with government officials and business leaders to progress this work.
These meetings will focus on progressing the bilateral economic relationship, our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and work to support our Pacific family.
“Australia and New Zealand have a long history of collaboration, but now is the time to extend that cooperation to issues affecting the Pacific region, including urgent action on climate change.” said Minister Bowen.
“Partnering with our closest neighbours will help us to seize the economic opportunities to collaborate on cheaper, cleaner energy and climate action as the world accelerates towards net zero.
“Climate change is the single greatest threat to our Pacific family, and longstanding leadership on the international stage continues to be critical.
“Now that Australia is back at the table, we are working with our Pacific partners to help the region cut emissions in this critical decade and ensure no-one is left behind.”
Minister Tanya Plibersek will be acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
