9 February 2005

Peters Tells Labour To Stop Grey Bashing

Rt Hon Winston Peters has told Social Welfare Minister Steve Maharey to stop playing games of deception over superannuation payments to the elderly.

This follows the Minister’s “pathetic” attempt to explain away the steady decline of the “real” level of superannuation since 2000 and the government’s refusal to address the problem.

“The rate of superannuation is a disgrace. Payment for a single person is only $249 a week. A married couple receive $383 a week.

“These are starvation rates, yet the government will pay a state television newsreader a salary of $800,000 for a few hours work and give huge grants to its wealthy business supporters.”

Mr Peters said that elderly New Zealanders were the “forgotten” people of New Zealand and were regarded as a “problem” rather than people who had made a significant contribution and were now a rich source of wisdom and experience.

“Not only are the elderly being ripped off over superannuation payment levels, they also face serious anomalies over the rates for couples if one is under 65.

”Waiting times for operations is also increasing and they face soaring power, telephone and petrol prices.

“New Zealand does not look after its elderly and Steve Maharey should acknowledge this fact. He knows more about social engineering than how the elderly are forced to struggle through their declining years,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media