The 2025 Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) has concluded in Canberra with business and government leaders from both nations reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and building a more resilient and prosperous trans-Tasman partnership.
Under the theme "Navigating a Turbulent World: Enhancing Trans-Tasman Prosperity, Security, and Resilience," the Forum focused on concrete actions to address shared challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape.
Discussions spanned four key plenary sessions, identifying a clear path forward:
- Aligning for Impact - Leaders discussed greater collaboration on workforce, investment, and innovation to boost trans-Tasman productivity and competitiveness.
- Integrated Defence Capability - Discussions focused on transforming defence industry alignment into practical cooperation, strengthening joint capabilities and supply chains.
- Building a Seamless Digital Economy - Delegates explored initiatives to harmonise data regulations and invest in infrastructure to facilitate seamless digital trade and embrace emerging technologies, such as AI, cyber and quantum.
- Trans-Tasman Climate Cooperation - The forum highlighted the need for coordinated regulation and finance to unlock green economic growth and establish consistent climate-related standards.
The 2025 ANZLF was attended by a number of senior government officials whose participation underscored the strong government-to-business partnership. Australian Ministers included Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers and Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell. New Zealand Ministers included Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The day's events concluded with a Leaders' Dinner, where delegates were joined by the Prime Minister of Australia the Honourable Anthony Albanese.
"The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum is more than just a discussion; it is a platform for action," said Mr John Paitaridis, Australian Co-Chair of the ANZLF. "The robust dialogue and practical recommendations from today's sessions will be crucial in strengthening our shared prosperity and security in a shifting global environment."
"The outcomes of this forum demonstrate that when business and government work in lockstep, we can achieve more together than we can alone," added Mr Greg Lowe, New Zealand Co-Chair of the ANZLF. "The commitment shown today gives me great confidence that we can turn this momentum into tangible progress for both our nations."
About the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF)
The ANZLF is the premier bilateral forum that brings together senior business and government leaders from Australia and New Zealand to advance opportunities for a more prosperous, secure, and resilient trans-Tasman partnership. The Business Council of Australia is the Australian host to the ANZLF.
