Tuesday 28 November 2000

The Government should reconsider its refusal to have a non-Government MP chair the Select Committee on superannuation, National Finance spokesperson Bill English said today.

Dr Cullen told the House today he would not agree to a select committee chaired by a non-Government MP.

"The Minister says he understands the public wants multi-party support for superannuation policy - but not, apparently, until his new policy is in place," Mr English said.

"A select committee independent of the Government would take a more thorough and balanced look at the Legislation.

"The Government claims it is guaranteeing pensions for the next century. That claim needs to be examined without the inevitable pressure on a Government chair to ensure the Government's political view dominates.

"Treasury papers show the Government has not considered alternatives for superannuation, or alternative ways to use the huge annual contributions the fund will require.

"A select committee with a non-Government chair would do a better job of looking into these issues," Mr English said.

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