ACT offers Labour a way out of NZ Super gaffe

May 22, 2015

ACT leader David Seymour today welcomed Labour engaging the debate over NZ Super’s future, but says they need to change tactics.

“Andrew Little appeared in The Herald to endorse means testing for superannuation before distancing himself from the idea within hours.

“He has shown why and issue with such important long term implications might better be better handled under ACT’s referendum proposal.

"All parties can put aside their political positions, join together to form a cross party working group – like the flag committee – and appoint an expert group to identify workable options for the long term sustainability of NZ Super. These options, including no change, could then be put to referendum for the voters to decide.

“It’s to Andrew Little’s credit that he notes these pressures arising from an aging population, calling superannuation ‘a looming issue requiring $30b by 2030’, and highlighting the government’s silence.

“If we don’t address this issue now, New Zealanders will be forced to pay higher taxes or face harsh service cuts in order to fund Super in the decades to come.

“I have confidence in the common sense of voters to support an option which would ensure the fiscal sustainability of NZ Superannuation, an option which is fair across the generations of taxpayers.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media