2025 Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum

The 2025 Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) took place in Canberra, Australia on 2-3 September.

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 the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers and Trade and Tourism Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell and Leader of the Opposition the Hon Sussan Ley. 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 Hon Anthony Albanese MP.

The Forum saw business and government leaders from both nations reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and building a more resilient and prosperous trans-Tasman partnership.

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