Anderton Does Double Back-Flip on Superannuation - ACT

Wednesday 7th Jul 1999

Rodney Hide

Media Release -- Social Welfare

ACT Finance spokesman Rodney Hide today accused Jim Anderton and the Alliance Party of doing a double back-flip on superannuation.

"Jim Anderton has proved again he can't be trusted. His solemn pledge last election was to take super for married couples up to 72.5 percent of the average after tax wage (it's currently 62.7 percent) and to provide a 'Senior Citizens Benefit' equal to 95 percent of Super for people between the ages of 60 and 65.

"Jim Anderton's promise just three years ago was weekly boost of $50 a week and a pension for those over 60. That's all gone. Jim Anderton has provided no explanation for his double back-flip. Now all Anderton will say is that those over 65 will get a 'boost' and that the boost will be 'at least double figures every week.' This is far cry from his $50 a week bribe last election and a pension for all at age 60.

"Jim Anderton should make the effort and participate in the Superannuation 2000 Taskforce chaired by Angela Foulkes. That way he may learn something of the issues in caring for the elderly over the next fifty years.

"As it stands, Jim Anderton can't be trusted. He can't be trusted to stick to his policies even in opposition. He can't even keep his MPs. The fact is that Jim Anderton would do for Helen Clark just as Winston Peters did for Jim Bolger. The man can't be trusted," said Rodney Hide.

ENDS

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