Canberra - day two report
09 November 2016
Another successful day of lobbying in Canberra concluded on Wednesday. All those we met with are supportive and sympathetic to the issues we took to Canberra: NDIS, ADF, HELP loans, the new pathway, and income protection insurance.
We wrote to a number of politicians but due to scheduling were unable to be granted meetings in Canberra. Some we have arranged to meet at their respective electorate offices. Our volunteers took time off work to do this so were unable to attend for more than two days.
Over the two days we have held meetings with Senior Advisors or Chiefs of Staff for:
- Rebekah Sharkie (NXT)
- Russell Broadbent (LNP)
- Andrew Wilkie (IND)
- Marise Payne (LNP)
- Christian Porter (LNP)
- Terri Butler (ALP)
And met with Federal Members:
- Luke Gosling (ALP)
- Richard Marles (ALP)
- Jenny Macklin (ALP)
- Luke Howarth (LNP)
- Julian Hill (ALP)
On Tuesday we met with senior bureaucrats from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to discuss the new pathway to permanent residence for New Zealanders. The meeting was very constructive and we are hopeful they can take our suggestions on board.
Wednesday concluded with a two hour meeting with the New Zealand High Commission. Obviously we can't divulge the content of our meeting. We are encouraged by their engaging with Oz Kiwi and with their support. The NZHC are working at the diplomatic level with the Australian and New Zealand Governments, and the relevant agencies on issues that impact on Kiwis living in Australia.
