Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has cheekily backed calls for New Zealand to join Australia’s federation under a constitutional loophole.
Outgoing NZ Labour MP Jamie Strange told the country’s parliament earlier this month that New Zealand should consider unification with Australia, according to the New Zealand Herald.
“There would certainly be economic benefits, economies of scale in the private and public sector, opening Aldi stores on our shores,” he said.
Speaking to Today, opposition veterans affairs spokesperson Joyce said he didn’t believe New Zealanders would go for it, but that the option should still be on the table.
“The defence policy, monetary policy – we might even win a rugby game,” he said.
He said the Australian Constitution even provided for the possibility without the need for a referendum.
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As Australia mused on federation prior to 1901, both New Zealand and Fiji were considered as potential states.
Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie also backed the change, joking that it would be of “massive benefit” to Tasmania.
“We can stop doing the heavy lifting for you mainlanders,” she said.
