The National Cabinet met yesterday and attending the meeting for the first time was the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Her presence at the video conference was the result of an invitation by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to share with the state and territory leaders New Zealand’s experience in dealing with Coronavirus.

The agenda included discussion of the possible creation of a ‘Trans-Tasman COVID-19 safe travel zone’ whereby travel between Australia and New Zealand could be resumed once it is safe to do so and with necessary health, transport and other protocols to protect public health.

‘Australians and New Zealanders travel across the ditch more than they do anywhere else,’ Prime Minister Ardern said.

‘New Zealand is Australia’s second largest source of tourists after China with 1.2 million visitors last year and 1.6 million Aussies visited us so we both stand to benefit by getting travel up and running again.’

The presence of Prime Minister Ardern in the National Cabinet added another level of significance to a meeting of Australian government leaders which is already unprecedented in Australian history and is a direct result of the Coronavirus health threat.

The National Cabinet continues to engage in discussions of issues affecting the nation.

More information is available in today’s joint media statement between both Prime Ministers.