Rt Hon Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader
Member of Parliament for Northland

1 OCTOBER 2015

Memory fade hinders minister of senior citizens

Poor memory has hit Minister for Senior Citizens Maggie Barry as she “celebrates” the International Day of Older Persons, says New Zealand First.

“The Minister rushed into print saying she’s all for building links in towns and cities so older people stay socially connected,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“But just months ago her government put a cap on spending for the SuperGold Card travel concession, putting a question mark over its expansion and its future.

“National also poured scorn on three free GP checks for Seniors and voted against the New Zealand First Bill that would have delivered a fiscally wise system by keeping people out of hospitals.

“The Minister says she promotes age friendly communities which involve older people making decisions on transport and health facilities but when put to the test in a parliamentary vote her government keeps obstructing any sound improvements for the welfare and health of older people.

“Against their voting record the Minister’s comments are all psychopathy.

“Giving off-peak travel to Seniors ensures they get out and about, and have social contact with others. They should be able to occupy otherwise empty off-peak seats.

“Instead of talking nonsense on an international day the Minister should be advocating for Seniors in Cabinet, and she is clearly not doing this.”

ENDS

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