12 February 2002

"Michael Cullen would do all New Zealanders a favour by cancelling the $1 million public relations campaign selling his Super Fund and properly funding the Retirement Commissioner," says National Superannuation spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

Mr Brownlee made this call today after it was revealed that the Retirement Commissioner's Office was desperately trying to plug a million-dollar gap left in its budget following a Government cut back on funding last year.

"The Retirement Commissioner's Office fills a growing role in raising public awareness about long term saving and financial planning," Gerry Brownlee explained.

"The 'Get It Sorted' website is one of the most innovative tools for informing the public about the importance of long term financial planning. It would be a tragedy if it were to be lost because Michael Cullen believes it's more important to putting a good spin on his increasingly discredited Super Fund than properly funding the Retirement Commissioner.

"Dr Cullen should redirect the $1 million budgeted for the publicity campaign - including television advertisements and a leaflet drop to all New Zealand households - promoting his Super Fund and properly fund the Retirement Commissioner's Office."

Gerry Brownlee said if the Government was serious about helping to provide for all New Zealander's futures - rather than investing their hard-earned tax funds with overseas investment brokers - it would not have the Retirement Commissioner begging the private sector to prop up its ailing budget.

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