Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled Australia is likely to soften its policy of deporting criminals to New Zealand, after concerns were again raised by the country's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.
Several New Zealand governments have complained about Australia's policy, which has led to thousands of New Zealanders with criminal records being deported.
The policy disproportionately affects New Zealanders because they have special rights to live and work in Australia, and Ms Ardern has called it a "significant issue".
Mr Albanese repeated that Australia would not be changing the core policy of deporting criminals, but indicated he was open to discussions on it.
"There are also concerns that have been raised that need to be taken into consideration, as friends," he said.
"If people look at some of the cases that have been held, it's not surprising that the Prime Minister would make the strong representations that she had, because I would be, if I was in the same position.
Ms Ardern said she was heartened the issue had been discussed, and clarified that New Zealand was not looking for Australia to change its policy.
"What we have simply asked is that there's greater reciprocity," she said.
"There are those who are being deported from Australia who, for all intents and purposes, are Australian. Often [with] zero connection to New Zealand, sometimes not even having stepped foot there."
Ms Ardern said that was where New Zealand wanted some "consideration to be given".
Australia and New Zealand in 'lock step' on China
The leaders also spoke of their commitment to work together on climate change.
"We are very eager to work alongside our Pacific partners on the significant threat, the number one threat in the eyes of our Pacific neighbours in your region," Ms Ardern said.
"Within our region, also there was a lot of discussion about our desire to work on the priorities of the Pacific together, which is a very specific approach that we have articulated, that it is very much about the partnership approach within the region."
Both leaders were keen to stress their countries' joint commitment to working with Pacific nations.
"Australia and New Zealand are also very proud Pacific nations and we value the relations that we have with our Pacific partners very deeply," Mr Albanese said.
"Our approach is based upon respect, transparency and engagement with Pacific institutions."
While being careful not to criticise Australia's domestic climate change policies, Ms Adern said it was up to Australia and New Zealand "to do our bit".
"I know, with regards to New Zealand, we have a lot more to do, but we welcome being joined on that journey by Australia," she said.
Ms Ardern said Australia's new 2030 emissions target was particularly important for the Pacific region.
"Of course New Zealand is heartened and welcomes the position," she said.
"It is good for our region and good for the world when we work collaboratively on this extraordinary challenge."
On China's growing influence in the Pacific, Mr Albanese declared the two countries were in "lock step" in their approach.
"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Ardern, working with our democratic neighbours. We're all a part of the Pacific," he said.
At the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum, further discussions around this will be held.
"I very much look forward to working not just with New Zealand but [also with] our other Pacific partners on making sure that we defend national sovereignty," Mr Albanese said.
