15 May 2011

Key to address Australian Parliament

12:11 pm on 15 May 2011

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will address the Australian Parliament in June, accepting an invitation by his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard.

The move follows Ms Gillard's visit and speech to New Zealand's Parliament in February.

Ms Gillard invited Mr Key to Canberra during her visit in March when she attended the Christchurch earthquake memorial service.

The trip, set to take place between 19 to 21 June, will include a meeting with Ms Gillard and talks with the Cabinet.

Mr Key will also attend a fundraising gala dinner for the Christchurch earthquake appeal in Sydney, which is being organised by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

He will be the first New Zealand leader to address the Parliament.