Anthony Albanee jokes how Australia could ‘take over’ and reveals it’s in our constitution
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joked on a podcast that Australia could “take over” New Zealand, saying the possibility was contained in Australia’s Constitution. The remarks were presented as humour rather than a policy proposal, but draw attention to the long-standing constitutional and political links between the two countries.
The Constitution allows the Australian Parliament to admit or establish new states, a provision dating from the federation era when New Zealand’s possible inclusion was contemplated. New Zealand ultimately remained separate, and there is no suggestion that either government is pursuing constitutional change or political union.
- Albanese joked about Australia absorbing New Zealand.
- He cited a constitutional provision on admitting states.
- No real takeover or union plan was proposed.
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Australia and New Zealand are separate countries with close ties in trade, defence, travel and culture. Both were British colonies and developed alongside each other in the 19th century, but New Zealand chose not to join the Australian federation formed in 1901.
Australia’s Constitution includes a rule allowing its Parliament to admit or create new states. It was written when some people considered whether New Zealand might become part of the new Australian nation, although that never happened.
New Zealand has its own parliament, government and legal system, and any move towards political union would require major democratic and constitutional decisions in both countries. The constitutional provision remains in place, but has not been used to bring New Zealand into Australia.