National's Finance Spokesperson Bill English has today welcomed a more constructive approach from Dr Cullen on the issue of superannuation.

Dr Cullen today signalled he is willing to release some information about the assumptions behind his scheme, and how it will work.

"Dr Cullen's scheme is one of a number of alternatives for funding future superannuation obligations. Interested political parties, the savings industry and independent observers need to be able to assess whether it represents a better way to pay for superannuation than other alternatives, or what we already have.

"The Minister also indicated he is willing to accept discussion about other options. In reality it is hard to assess his proposal without reference to other ways of funding superannuation, with which the Government disagrees.

"Dr Cullen has also offered confidential briefings on his proposal. These may not now be necessary if sufficient detail is released. In any case it would be difficult to honour that confidentiality in the rough and tumble of public debate," Bill English said.

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