Still uncertainty about Australia's treatment of Kiwis: Prime Minister Bill English

There is still uncertainty about Australia's direction in terms of its treatment of Kiwi expats, Prime Minister Bill English says.

Speaking after new Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee's meeting with counterpart Julie Bishop in Sydney last week, English told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB that despite recent assurances from Canberra there was still uncertainty in the relationship.

"In the last couple weeks we have got Prime Minister Turnbull to confirm the original citizenship deal, when Australia is changing it for everybody else. So that was good. And now we have the assurance from Julie Bishop that they will consult us about any changes they are going to make," English said.

"But there is still uncertainty about the direction they are headed in. And we would still like to have less of that."

English said the changes stemmed from the fact Australia was in a more challenging fiscal position than New Zealand.

"I think it is just dealing with big pressures. They have got fiscal deficits - they are quite a long way from getting back to surplus. We have got surpluses so we don't have to have discussions about cutting anyone's entitlements. They do. And it is fairly challenging politics there most of the time."

Brownlee on Friday was assured by the Australian Government that it will pay more attention to New Zealanders when it makes major policy changes in future.

He was also given a reassurance from Bishop that there are no further changes in the pipeline for Kiwi expatriates. Fears that Kiwis could soon be made to pay for public schools in Australia were dismissed as "speculation" by Bishop.

Brownlee was, however, unable to persuade the Australian Government to review its decision to hike New Zealand citizens' university fees. Although expats will be given access to student loans for the first time, many say the higher fees will make university study in the country unaffordable.

Following his meeting Dr Timothy Gassin, chairman of lobby group Oz Kiwi, said Brownlee had "folded".

"If New Zealand lets Australia get away with this without even the slightest consequence, that sends a clear message to Canberra and the Australian states that they can continue to target New Zealand citizens' rights with impunity."

Beginning in January, Australian permanent residents from all countries and New Zealand citizens will pay full fees - an average increase of A$8000 to A$9000 a year. About 6000 New Zealanders are in this category.