Fri, 24 Sep 2004

Progressive leader: National could cut super

A National-led government could cut superannuation, saying it will be provided on a 'needs-basis', Progressive leader Jim Anderton says.

He told Dunedin Grey Power 'needs-based superannuation' would result in means testing.

"Don Brash has already said super will be cut for the under-50s. If they can cut it for some, they will soon cut it for others. Why would they make such a fuss about 'needs-based' funding if they weren't going to introduce it?"

Jim Anderton says if National and Act get elected, a return to the poor economic performance of the eighties and nineties would see the government looking for cuts.

"In the eighties and nineties Governments cut superannuation when they didn't have enough money. When the budget is under pressure the knives come out. The reason no one talks about super being cut any more is because the economy is doing better.

"The stronger performance of the New Zealand economy over the last four years has made superannuation more secure. The best way to keep super secure is this: Don't change the government."

Jim Anderton celebrated twenty years in parliament this week, and told Grey Power he is only member of Cabinet born before the Second World War.

"Superannuitants need a representative in Cabinet ? not only in a ministerial sense, like the minister for senior citizens. There needs to be someone who has an understanding of their issues."

The Progressive Party will be campaigning for the party vote in next year's election as a pro-growth and pro-jobs insurance policy.

SPEECH NOTES POSTED AT:

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1225

ENDS

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