CANZUK International has learnt that plans are being drafted between the Australian and UK governments which will allow citizens to live and work in either country without the requirement of time-sensitive visas and work permits.
Written by James Skinner
The proposal was discussed by the UK’s trade secretary, Liz Truss, and Australian Trade Minister, Simon Birmingham, in Canberra on Wednesday.
“It’s certainly something we will be looking at as part of our free trade negotiations,” Secretary Truss said in a press conference at Parliament House.
“We want a fully comprehensive trade deal that reflects our deep, ongoing relationship, the friendship between our two countries, the fact that Australians want to come and live and work in Britain, and Brits want to come and live and work in Australia”.
Mr. Birmingham also stated the trade deal could open up opportunities for Australia’s agriculture once signed, implying that a UK/Australia trade and migration deal could be accomplished within “months rather than years”.
The UK is Australia’s eighth-largest trading partner in the world, and trade between the two countries is estimated to be worth £15 billion.
Help us by making a donation today
Donate
Talks have previously centered around the potential for Australia and the UK to establish migration agreements as part of any upcoming trade deal, as both The Liberal Party of Australia and the UK government, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself, have expressed support in furthering CANZUK ties.
The press conference with Mr. Birmingham and Ms. Truss can be viewed here:
CANZUK International will continue to work with government officials and diplomats in the United Kingdom and Australia, and ensure that free movement and trade between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom is recognised as a priority policy following the UK’s upcoming departure from the European Union on October 31st, 2019.
Join CANZUK International on social media