Australia and New Zealand have a long history of working together through the Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement which first came into effect on 1 January 1983 and has involved successive rounds of integration of the Australia and New Zealand economies. With 2013 marking 30 years of this trade agreement, this study was commissioned to help advise the Australian and New Zealand Governments on the next steps in economic integration.
Our brief was to identify specific areas for potential reform, the ways in which they might be best achieved, the likely impacts of potential reforms, any significant transition and adjustment costs that could be incurred and the time scale over which impacts are likely to accrue.